enthusiasm

noun

Origin

Greek

enthousiasmos — inspiration or possession by a god

Overview

Meaning Now

Strong excitement, interest, or eagerness about something.

Literal older meaning

inspiration or possession by a god

Language path

Greek → Late Latin → French → Modern English

Earliest form

enthousiasmos

Earliest period

Greek

Journey

Enthusiasm comes from Greek roots connected with being inspired or filled by a god. English first used it for intense religious feeling and later broadened it into the positive energy and interest we mean today.

Evolution

Greek
enthousiasmos
“divine inspiration”
Early English use
enthusiasm
“intense religious feeling”
Modern English
enthusiasm
“eager interest or energy”

Connections

Related words

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disasterrelated

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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.