Enthusiasm Meaning
/ɪnˈθuziæzəm/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounIntensity of feeling; excited interest or eagerness.
nounAn intensity of feeling; an excited interest or eagerness.
Sentence Examples
The air in that room was thick with the enthusiasm of the participants.
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
Her voice was full of enthusiasm.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her genuine ____ for the project inspired everyone to work harder.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Her ____ for the project inspired the rest of the team to work harder.
Word Origin & History
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”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"By the end of this period pupils are expected to be reading simple books independently and with enthusiasm."
— 1972, Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren, How to Read a Book, →ISBN, →LCCN, page 25:
"My main enthusiasm is attending and seeing the progress and interest of collectors, to meet old friends, and hopefully to make new friends."
— 1968, Central States Archaeological Journal, volumes 15-16, page 154:
"Other Adamsian enthusiasms included: fast cars; restaurants; Bach, the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Dire Straits; […]"
— 2012, Nicholas Joll, Philosophy and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, page 23:
"The intoxication that they sought was that of ‘enthusiasm’, of union with the god."
— 1946, Bertrand Russell, chapter 1, in History of Western Philosophy:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her genuine ____ for the project inspired everyone to work harder.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Her ____ for the project inspired the rest of the team to work harder.