Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having or showing great excitement and interest: The word "enthusiastic" describes a person or their behavior that is full of strong, eager enjoyment, interest, or approval for something.

Usage

• General Use: Used to describe a person's feelings, attitude, or reaction towards an activity, idea, or event.
• Common Constructions: Typically followed by "about," "over," or "for" to specify the object of the enthusiasm (e.g., enthusiastic about something). It can also be used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "be" or "seem").

Examples

• Attributive (before a noun):
  • She received an enthusiastic welcome from the team.
  • The proposal got enthusiastic support from the committee.
• Predicative (after a linking verb):
  • He is very enthusiastic about the new project.
  • The fans were enthusiastic during the entire concert.
• With prepositions:
  • We are enthusiastic for the upcoming changes.
  • She wasn't very enthusiastic over the idea.

Advanced Usage

• "Less than enthusiastic": A common understatement to indicate a lack of enthusiasm or a lukewarm reaction.
  • His response to the plan was less than enthusiastic.
• "Wildly enthusiastic": Used to emphasize an extremely high level of excitement and approval.
  • The audience was wildly enthusiastic about the performance.

Variants and Related Words

• Enthusiasm (n): The feeling of being enthusiastic.
  • Her enthusiasm for science is contagious.
• Enthusiast (n): A person who is very interested in and keen on a particular activity or subject.
  • He is a photography enthusiast.
• Enthusiastically (adv): In a way that shows enthusiasm.
  • The crowd cheered enthusiastically.

Synonyms

• Ardent: Showing strong feelings.
• Keen: Eager and interested.
• Eager: Wanting very much to do or have something.
• Passionate: Having or showing strong emotions or beliefs.
• Zealous: Showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective.

Antonyms

• Apathetic: Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
• Indifferent: Having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.
• Unenthusiastic: Not having or showing enthusiasm.

Idioms and Phrases

• To greet/receive something with enthusiasm: To welcome or accept something very positively.
  • The new policy was greeted with great enthusiasm by the staff.
• A burst of enthusiasm: A sudden, intense feeling of excitement and interest.
  • He started the project with a burst of enthusiasm.

Adjective

1. having or showing great excitement and interest
   • enthusiastic crowds filled the streets
   • an enthusiastic response
   • was enthusiastic about taking ballet lessons