enthusiasm
19 synonyms and 2 antonyms for enthusiasm, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Strong excitement and eager interest in something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use enthusiasm
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek enthousiasmos, based on en- ("in") + theos ("god"), originally meaning divine inspiration or possession by a god.
Full origin of enthusiasm →Frequently asked questions
What does “enthusiasm” mean?
The word “enthusiasm” means strong excitement and eager interest in something. In plain terms, a strong, eager excitement about something.
How do you pronounce “enthusiasm”?
“Enthusiasm” is pronounced ihn-THOO-zee-a-zuhm (/ɪnˈθuziæzəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “enthusiasm” in a sentence?
Here is “enthusiasm” used in a sentence: “She approached the new project with real enthusiasm.”
What is another word for “enthusiasm”?
Words with a similar meaning to “enthusiasm” include ardor, alacrity, celerity, energy, exuberance and exuberantness.
What is the opposite of “enthusiasm”?
The opposite of “enthusiasm” — its antonyms — are apathy and lethargy.
What part of speech is “enthusiasm”?
“Enthusiasm” is a noun.
Where does the word “enthusiasm” come from?
The word “enthusiasm” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek enthousiasmos, based on en- ("in") + theos ("god"), originally meaning divine inspiration or possession by a god.
Is “enthusiasm” a common word?
“Enthusiasm” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between enthusiasm and passion?
Enthusiasm is strong excitement and eager interest in something, while passion is a deeper, more intense, and usually longer-lasting emotion. You might show enthusiasm for a new hobby after a week, but passion suggests a powerful commitment sustained over time.
Do you say "enthusiasm for" or "enthusiasm about"?
The standard collocation is "enthusiasm for," as in "her enthusiasm for science." "Enthusiasm about" also occurs, but note that the adjective takes a different preposition: people are "enthusiastic about" something, not "enthusiastic for" it.
Is enthusiasm countable or uncountable?
Enthusiasm is usually uncountable, as in "they greeted the idea with enthusiasm." The countable plural "enthusiasms" does exist, but it means a person's particular interests or hobbies, as in "one of his many enthusiasms."
What is the difference between enthusiasm and eagerness?
Eagerness is an impatient desire to do or get something, often focused on a specific moment, while enthusiasm is strong excitement and interest in an activity or subject itself. A student may feel eagerness to finish an exam but enthusiasm for the subject being examined.