lexicow

enthusiasm

/ɪnˈθuːziæzəm//ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/·noun
|

Definition

Enthusiasm is energetic eagerness — a warmth of feeling that makes you lean into something and want more of it. It shows in the voice, the pace, the readiness to begin. The word comes from the Greek enthousiasmos, 'possessed by a god', and it keeps that sense of being filled and carried along by a force larger than calm interest. Crucially, enthusiasm is catching: one genuinely eager person can give a flat, tired room an energy it did not have a moment before.

Examples

  • Her enthusiasm was enough to galvanize a tired committee into doing real work.
  • Early enthusiasm gives a project its momentum, but discipline is what carries it to the end.
  • He spoke about the research with an enthusiasm the students clearly found contagious.

Collocations

boundless enthusiasm·show enthusiasm for·greet with enthusiasm·infectious enthusiasm·wane in enthusiasm

Synonyms

eagerness·zeal·passion·keenness·fervour

Antonyms

apathy·indifference·reluctance

Word family

enthusiastic (adjective)·enthusiastically (adverb)·enthusiast (noun)

In TOEFL & IELTS

A staple of IELTS Speaking Parts 1–2, where examiners reward genuine engagement: 'I have a real enthusiasm for…' sounds far stronger than 'I like…'. Mind the spelling (en-thu-si-asm) and the part of speech — the noun is enthusiasm, the adjective enthusiastic. In Writing it suits topics on motivation, learning, and the workplace.