enthusiasm

[en-thoo-zee-az-uh m] /ɛnˈθu ziˌæz əm/
noun
1.
absorbing or controlling possession of the mind by any interest or pursuit; lively interest:
He shows marked enthusiasm for his studies.
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.
Origin
1570-80; < Late Latin enthūsiasmus < Greek enthousiasmós, equivalent to enthousí(a) possession by a god (énthous, variant of éntheos having a god within, equivalent to en- en-2 + -thous, -theos god-possessing + -ia y3) + -asmos, variant, after vowel stems, of -ismos -ism
Related forms
antienthusiasm, noun
hyperenthusiasm, noun
overenthusiasm, noun
preenthusiasm, noun
unenthusiasm, noun
Synonyms
1. eagerness, warmth, fervor, zeal, ardor, passion, devotion.
Antonyms
1. indifference.
Examples from the web for enthusiasm
  • It was clear that he gained in interest and enthusiasm during the project and it helped develop a range of skills and knowledge.
  • At the conclusion of the interview, show your enthusiasm by emphasizing your interest in the position.
  • Many authors have responded with enthusiasm.
  • Now investors' enthusiasm is more subdued.
  • We all have different levels of enthusiasm.
  • He thinks that sharing their expertise and helping golfers get better will spread enthusiasm for the game.
  • The company's enthusiasm for thinking ahead is admirable.
  • The enthusiasm of my adventurous comrades was starting to infect even me.
  • Seldom has so much enthusiasm been packed into so few pages.
  • We have to elevate our standards and develop programs to inspire enthusiasm in young people.
British Dictionary definitions for enthusiasm

enthusiasm

/ɪnˈθjuːzɪˌæzəm/
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
Word Origin
C17: from Late Latin enthūsiasmus, from Greek enthousiasmos, from enthousiazein to be possessed by a god, from entheos inspired, from en-² + theos god
Word Origin and History for enthusiasm
n.

c.1600, from Middle French enthousiasme (16c.) and directly from Late Latin enthusiasmus, from Greek enthousiasmos "divine inspiration," from enthousiazein "be inspired or possessed by a god, be rapt, be in ecstasy," from entheos "divinely inspired, possessed by a god," from en "in" (see en- (2)) + theos "god" (see Thea). Acquired a derogatory sense of "excessive religious emotion" (1650s) under the Puritans; generalized sense of "fervor, zeal" (the main modern sense) is first recorded 1716.