enthusiasm
//ɪnˈθuziæzəm//
Forms
- Plural
- enthusiasms
Definitions
1.An intensity of feeling; an excited interest or eagerness.
- They have a great enthusiasm for country music.
- By the end of this period pupils are expected to be reading simple books independently and with enthusiasm.
- Try to curb your enthusiasm.
2.Something in which one is keenly interested.
- My main enthusiasm is attending and seeing the progress and interest of collectors, to meet old friends, and hopefully to make new friends.
Frequency
Overall
Rare· #4390
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Rare
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
First attested from 1603
From Middle French enthousiasme
From Late Latin enthusiasmus
From Ancient Greek ἐνθουσιασμός (enthousiasmós)
From ἐν (en, “in”) + θεός (theós, “god”) + οὐσία (ousía, “essence”).