enthusiasm

Definitions

en- (in) + theos (god) = "having a god within." The ancient Greeks believed an inspired poet or prophet was literally possessed by a god (entheos). Over centuries the religion drained away and the word kept only the feeling that remained: being so seized by something that an outside force seems to be driving you. That's modern enthusiasm — passionate, almost irrational eagerness.

Why It Means This

Few common words hide such a dramatic origin. In Greek religion, enthousiasmos was a real, frightening state — a god taking over a human's body and voice. The word passed through Latin and into English first as a negative term for religious fanaticism, then softened over the 1700s into the warm, positive energy we mean today. The "possession" image still fits: real enthusiasm feels like something larger than you has taken the wheel.

Common Collocations

• 1.great enthusiasm极大的热情
• 2.lack of enthusiasm缺乏热情
• 3.show enthusiasm表现出热情
• 4.enthusiasm for对……的热情
• 5.with enthusiasm热情地

Example Sentences

• 1.

  She talked about her new job with great enthusiasm.

• 2.

  The plan was met with little enthusiasm from the team.

• 3.

  His enthusiasm for cooking is contagious.

Synonym Comparison