enthusiasm
English
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”).
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ɪnˈθjuːzɪæz(ə)m/, /ɛn-/
- (yod dropping) IPA(key): /-θuː-/
Audio (General American) (file) Audio (Received Prononnciation) (file)
Noun
enthusiasm (countable and uncountable, plural enthusiasms)
- (obsolete or historical) Possession by a god; divine inspiration or frenzy.
- 1946, Bertrand Russell, chapter 1, in History of Western Philosophy:
- The intoxication that they sought was that of ‘enthusiasm’, of union with the god.
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- Intensity of feeling; excited interest or eagerness.
- Something in which one is keenly interested.
- 1968, Central States Archaeological Journal (volumes 15-16, page 154)
- My main enthusiasm is attending and seeing the progress and interest of collectors, to meet old friends, and hopefully to make new friends.
- 2012, Nicholas Joll, Philosophy and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, page 23:
- Other Adamsian enthusiasms included: fast cars; restaurants; Bach, the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Dire Straits; […]
- 1968, Central States Archaeological Journal (volumes 15-16, page 154)
Related terms
Translations
(obsolete or historical) possession by a god; divine inspiration
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feeling of excited, lively interest
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Anagrams
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