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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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.