Enthusiasm

Pronunciation

• IPA: /É›nˈθjuːzɪæzÉ™m/
• US IPA: /É›nˈθuːziæzÉ™m/

Origin

First attested from 1603, from Middle French enthousiasme, from Late Latin enthusiasmus, from Ancient Greek ἐνθουσιασμός, from ἔνθεος (entheos, "possessed by a god"), from ἐν (en, "in") + θεός (theos, "god").

Full definition of enthusiasm

Noun

1. (obsolete or historical) Possession by a god; divine inspiration or frenzy.
• 1946, Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, ch. 1The intoxication that they sought was that of ‘enthusiasm’, of union with the god.
2. Intensity of feeling; excited interest or eagerness.
3. Something in which one is keenly interested.
• 1968, Central States Archaeological Journal (volumes 15-16, page 154)My main enthusiasm is attending and seeing the progress and interest of collectors, to meet old friends, and hopefully to make new friends.
• 2012, Nicholas Joll, Philosophy and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (page 23)Other Adamsian enthusiasms included: fast cars; restaurants; Bach, the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Dire Straits; ...

Related terms

• enthuse
• enthusiast
• enthusiastic
• enthusiastically