noun
enthusiasm
in-THOO-zee-az-uhm/ɪnˈθuːziæzəm/
Strong, eager interest in something.
She raises her brush with enthusiasm as she begins painting.
Etymology
Greek enthousiasmos described divine inspiration, an intense state associated with possession by a god. That religious intensity broadened into the fervor and eagerness now felt about ordinary interests.
In context
their hearts with pride and joy and the whole Army was inspired with the highest Spirit of enthusiasm
More examples
- His enthusiasm for science makes every lesson lively.
- The team shows little enthusiasm for the new schedule.
- Gardening is one of her newest enthusiasms.
Forms
enthusiasm · enthusiasms
enthusiastic adjective — Feeling or showing strong, eager interest.
enthusiast noun — A person with strong interest in something.
Similar words
- eagerness
- Emphasizes wanting to act or begin rather than interest itself.
- excitement
- Emphasizes heightened emotion rather than strong interest in something.
- zeal
- Emphasizes intense dedication to a cause or goal.