Enthusiasm
[ɪn'θjuːzɪæz(ə)m;en-] or [ɪn'θuzɪæzəm]
Definition
(noun.) a lively interest; 'enthusiasm for his program is growing'.
(noun.) a feeling of excitement.
Inputed by Eleanor--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) Inspiration as if by a divine or superhuman power; ecstasy; hence, a conceit of divine possession and revelation, or of being directly subject to some divine impulse.
(n.) A state of impassioned emotion; transport; elevation of fancy; exaltation of soul; as, the poetry of enthusiasm.
(n.) Enkindled and kindling fervor of soul; strong excitement of feeling on behalf of a cause or a subject; ardent and imaginative zeal or interest; as, he engaged in his profession with enthusiasm.
(n.) Lively manifestation of joy or zeal.
Edited by Gail
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [1]. Ecstasy (from a belief of being inspired), fanaticism, religious frenzy.[2]. Ardor, zeal, warmth, earnestness, passion, devotion, heat of imagination, mental excitement.
Typist: Mason
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Excitement, frenzy, sensation, inspiration, transport, rapture, warmth, fervor,fervency, zeal, ardor, vehemence, passion, devotion
ANT:Coldness, callousness, indifference, disaffection, repugnance, alienation,contempt
Checked by Joy
Definition
n. intense interest: intensity of feeling: passionate zeal.—n. Enthū′siast one inspired by enthusiasm: one who admires or loves intensely.—adjs. Enthusias′tic -al filled with enthusiasm; zealous: ardent.—adv. Enthusias′tically.
Editor: Melinda
Unserious Contents or Definition
n. A distemper of youth curable by small doses of repentance in connection with outward applications of experience. Byron who recovered long enough to call it 'entuzy-muzy had a relapse, which carried him off—to Missolonghi.
Edited by Kelsey
Examples
- The intense enthusiasm of this pioneer beekeeper was contagious and resulted in many taking up beekeeping. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- I like to hear your enthusiasm, Fanny. Jane Austen. Mansfield Park.
- The enthusiasm of the crusaders evaporated with astounding rapidity. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- The novelis t's tolerance of Davy's enthusiasm soon passed into a clear recognition of his commanding genius. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- It was the prettiest and most luxurious little sitting-room I had ever seen; and I admired it with the warmest enthusiasm. Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White.
- He is describing, with a certain subdued enthusiasm, the probable technical developments of military method in the next war. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- Forgive my enthusiasm; I am becoming excited; but when I see her trampled underfoot, I am angry at the authors of her disgrace. Plato. The Republic.
- No individual, perhaps, ever possessed a juster understanding, or was so seldom obstructed in the use of it by indolence, enthusiasm, or authority. Benjamin Franklin. Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin.
- But soon, he cried, with sad and solemn enthusiasm, I shall die, and what I now feel be no longer felt. Mary Shelley. Frankenstein_Or_The Modern Prometheus.
- He felt so sure, this time, that some of his old enthusiasm came back to him: See, genteelmen! Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
- Yet America has not so far reached the intense enthusiasm over flying that fills the lands of Europe. Rupert S. Holland. Historic Inventions.
- We shall afterwards have occasion to remark both the resemblance and differences betwixt a poetical enthusiasm, and a serious conviction. David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
- I shall expect you, Wegg,' said Mr Boffin, clapping him on the shoulder with the greatest enthusiasm, 'most joyfully. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- Whether their fanaticism for number was owing to the influence of Egyptian priests or had an Oriental origin, it gave to the Pythagoreans an enthusiasm for pure mathematics. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- Research is stimulated, actively aroused, and a passionate zeal suffuses what is perhaps the most spontaneous reform enthusiasm of our time. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- But the trouble with them is that the psychology is weak and uninformed, distorted by moral enthusiasms, and put out without any particular reference to the task of statesmanship. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- And no tyrant-passion dragged him back; no enthusiasms, no foibles encumbered his way. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- Today, however, her chirping enthusiasms did not irritate Lily. Edith Wharton. The House of Mirth.
Edited by Horace