Definition

1. Noun:
   • A feeling of energetic interest in a particular subject or activity and an eagerness to be involved in it: A strong, positive emotion characterized by excitement and dedication.
   • Something that arouses such a feeling: An object, activity, or cause that inspires keen interest and fervor.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Her enthusiasm for learning languages is contagious.
  • The team was praised for its enthusiasm and hard work.
  • He gave the speech with great enthusiasm.
  • One of my great enthusiasms is classical music.

Advanced Usage

• "to be full of enthusiasm": To be very eager and excited about something.
  • The new volunteers are full of enthusiasm for the project.
• "to dampen someone's enthusiasm": To reduce someone's excitement or eagerness.
  • The rainy weather did not dampen their enthusiasm for the outdoor concert.
• "initial/early enthusiasm": The excitement felt at the beginning of an endeavor.
  • His initial enthusiasm for the diet waned after a few weeks.

Variants and Related Words

• Enthusiast (n): A person who is very interested in and involved with a particular subject or activity.
  • She is a real photography enthusiast.
• Enthusiastic (adj): Having or showing intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.
  • He received an enthusiastic welcome from the crowd.
• Enthusiastically (adv): In a way that shows intense and eager enjoyment or approval.
  • The audience applauded enthusiastically.

Synonyms

• Eagerness: Keen interest or impatient desire.
• Zeal: Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective.
• Passion: Strong and barely controllable emotion or intense interest.
• Ardor: Enthusiasm or passion.

Antonyms

• Apathy: Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
• Indifference: Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.

Related Idioms

• "Bubble over with enthusiasm": To be so full of excitement that it is very obvious.
  • The children were bubbling over with enthusiasm on the first day of summer camp.
• "Fire someone with enthusiasm": To inspire someone to feel very enthusiastic.
  • The coach's speech fired the team with enthusiasm for the final match.

Noun

1. a lively interest
   • enthusiasm for his program is growing
2. overflowing with eager enjoyment or approval
3. a feeling of excitement