Reading Theme:
Enthusiastic: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：full of zeal (enthusiastic)
enthusiastic
/ɪnˌθjuːziˈæstɪk/
adj.
Showing a lot of excitement and strong interest in something. It's like the happy, energetic feeling you get when you really like an activity.
full of zeal
➕
/fʊl əv ziːl/
adj.
Describing a state of intense eagerness and lively interest directed towards a specific activity or subject.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'enthousiastikos' ('inspired by a god'), from 'entheos' ('possessed by a god').
💡 Mnemonic
Enthusiastic people get 'enthused' with a 'zeal' that's like an 'enthusiast' cheering loudly.
📖 Example
The students were enthusiastic about the science experiment, eagerly gathering their materials and asking questions.
The students were full of zeal about the science experiment, eagerly gathering their materials and asking questions.
🔗 Collocations
enthusiastic about – showing great eagerness towards something
enthusiastic supporter – a person who gives energetic backing
enthusiastic response – a very positive and eager reaction
🔄 Synonyms
passionate (adj.) – showing or caused by intense feeling or strong belief
zealous (adj.) – having or showing great energy and enthusiasm for a cause or objective
ardent (adj.) – very enthusiastic or passionate
🚫 Antonyms
apathetic (adj.) – showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern
indifferent (adj.) – having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned
🌱 Derivatives
enthusiast (n.) – a person who is highly interested in a particular activity or subject
enthusiasm (n.) – intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval
enthusiastically (adv.) – in a way that shows intense and eager enjoyment
📖 Cultural Story
The word originates from the Greek 'enthousiasmos', meaning 'divine inspiration'. Historically, it described a state of being possessed or inspired by a deity. Over centuries, it evolved in English to describe intense, joyous eagerness for secular pursuits, losing its strictly religious connotation.
Meaning 2：very eager (enthusiastic)
enthusiastic
/ɪnˌθjuːziˈæstɪk/
adj.
Describing a person who is naturally lively, positive, and full of energy, always ready to get involved. It's their usual way of being.
very eager
➕
/ˈveri ˈiːɡər/
adj.
Describing a person who is characteristically lively, positive, and full of energy, approaching life with eagerness.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Our new neighbor is such an enthusiastic person; she greeted everyone with a warm smile and immediately offered to help with the community garden.
Our new neighbor is such a very eager person; she greeted everyone with a warm smile and immediately offered to help with the community garden.
🔗 Collocations
enthusiastic personality – a character trait of being habitually eager and lively
enthusiastic approach – a manner of tackling things with eagerness
overly enthusiastic – excessively eager or zealous
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
reluctant (adj.) – unwilling and hesitant; disinclined
half-hearted (adj.) – without enthusiasm or energy
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