enthusiasm
UK[ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm]US[ɪnˈθuːziæzəm]
n
a feeling of energetic interest in a particular subject or activity and an eagerness to be involved in it.
n
something that arouses such interest.
Morpheme Breakdown
en
thus
iasm
en
in
thus
god
iasm
state or condition
Etymology
the word 'enthusiasm' originates from the greek 'enthousiasmos', which meant 'inspiration or possession by a god'. this was formed from 'enthous', meaning 'possessed by a god' (from 'en', 'in', and 'theos', 'god'), and the noun-forming suffix '-iasmos'. in ancient greek culture, this state of divine inspiration could manifest in poetic frenzy, prophetic ecstasy, or religious fervor. the term entered late middle english via old french and latin, initially carrying a negative connotation of excessive religious emotion or fanaticism. over centuries, the meaning secularized and softened, evolving to denote the modern sense of intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval, thus transitioning from a state of divine possession to one of passionate human engagement.
Analysis
Structure: en (in) + thus (god) + iasm (state or condition)
en- (from greek 'en', meaning 'in'); thus (from greek 'theos', meaning 'god'); -iasm (a suffix derived from greek '-iasmos', indicating a state or condition).
Examples
she spoke about her research with great enthusiasm.
his enthusiasm for football is infectious.
one of her many enthusiasms is restoring vintage motorcycles.