enthusiasm

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”).

• IPA^(key): /ɪnˈθjuːzɪæz(ə)m/, /ɛn-/
• (yod dropping) IPA^(key): /-θuː-/

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• Audio (Received Prononnciation)

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enthusiasm (countable and uncountable, plural enthusiasms)

1. (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.

2. Intensity of feeling; excited interest or eagerness.
3. 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; […]

• enthuse
• enthusiast
• enthusiastic
• enthusiastically

• Shunamites