Enthusiasm
ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm
Definitions
Intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.
ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm
A feeling of intense interest and enjoyment.
The children greeted the puppy with wild enthusiasm.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're super excited about something, like going to a theme park or getting a new toy. That feeling of being excited and showing how happy you are is enthusiasm! People show enthusiasm when they're really interested in something, like a hobby or a friend.
👶 For kids: When you're really, really excited about something, like a new toy or a fun game!
More Examples
Her enthusiasm for the subject was infectious, inspiring her students.
The company needs an injection of enthusiasm to boost morale.
How It's Used
"The crowd showed great enthusiasm for the team."
"Her enthusiasm for the project was contagious."
Idioms & expressions
to have a lot of enthusiasm for something
To be very interested in or excited about something.
"She has a lot of enthusiasm for learning new languages."
burst with enthusiasm
To show or express a great deal of excitement and interest.
"The children burst with enthusiasm when they heard about the field trip."
From Greek *enthousiasmós* meaning 'being filled with the god', from *entheos* 'inspired, possessed by a god'.
The word gained popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries, initially with religious connotations, but evolving to its broader sense of general excitement and interest by the 19th century.
Memory tip
Think of being filled with passion and energy; feeling *in*side *theos* (God/inspiration).
Practice
Word Origin
Root: enthousiasmós