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View synonyms for

enthusiasm

[ en-thoo-zee-az-uhm ]

noun

  1. absorbing or controlling possession of the mind by any interest or pursuit; lively interest:

    He shows marked enthusiasm for his studies.

    Synonyms: , , , , , ,

    Antonyms:

  2. an occupation, activity, or pursuit in which such interest is shown:

    Hunting is his latest enthusiasm.

  3. any of various forms of extreme religious devotion, usually associated with intense emotionalism and a break with orthodoxy.


enthusiasm

/ ɪˈθːɪˌæə /

noun

  1. ardent and lively interest or eagerness
  2. an object of keen interest; passion
  3. archaic.
    extravagant or unbalanced religious fervour
  4. obsolete.
    possession or inspiration by a god
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • t··ٳs· noun
  • p··ٳs· noun
  • v··ٳs· noun
  • e·ٳs· noun
  • ܲe·ٳs· noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of enthusiasm1

First recorded in 1570–80; from Late Latin Գٳūܲ, from Greek Գٳdzܲó, from Գٳdzܲí() “possession by a god” ( éԳٳdzܲ, variant of éԳٳDz “having a god within,” from en- en- 2 + -thous, -theos “possessed by a god” + -ia -y 3( def ) ) + -asmos, variant (after vowel stems) of -ismos -ism; theism ( def )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of enthusiasm1

C17: from Late Latin Գٳūܲ, from Greek enthousiasmos, from enthousiazein to be possessed by a god, from entheos inspired, from en- ² + theos god
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But her enthusiasm for her future – and her country's - is not uncommon.

From

When I ask the people in line what they love about “Closet Picks,” the word “enthusiasm” comes up frequently.

From

But it’s not only pay that tempers enthusiasm for primary care.

From

But ahead of the high-profile commemoration on Wednesday, reactions to the celebration on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City ranged from enthusiasm to ambivalence.

From

But if his career seemed in danger just a few months ago, nothing about his reception here suggested that the enthusiasm about him has cooled.

From

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