enthusiasm

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'enthusiasm' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express intense excitement and/or eagerness. For example, "We were all filled with enthusiasm for the upcoming holiday season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also, the supporters of the reforms have appropriated "Obamacare" – originally intended as a derisive label by its opponents – and are now using it with enthusiasm.

The Guardian

John, London at Dawn Anthony is a fantastic teacher, not just for his technical skill and keen eye but also his enthusiasm and passion for photography which is highly infectious!

The Guardian

"But the enthusiasm, the changes, the judging panel is fantastic.

The Guardian

It is such a money spinner thanks to its integrated advertising packages that the network doubled it to two series each year in 2013 without killing audience enthusiasm.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

On the whole, recent trading statements have shown companies performing reasonably well, so a spate of more negative updates also dented investor enthusiasm.

The Guardian - Business

"I think our supporters have always been behind us, we've had ups and downs in the last few years, but since the return leg against Ukraine we've felt an enthusiasm behind the team and noticed a rekindled love in practice matches [in the lead up to the World Cup]," Lloris said.

The Guardian - Sport

They celebrated that achievement with the enthusiasm it deserved An important victory for Inter away to Parma, moving the Nerazzurri five points clear of Roberto Donadoni's team in fifth place.

The Guardian - Sport

"Things are bad and there's no real sign they're going to get any better soon, unless there's a bit more enthusiasm around forming a cartel".

The Guardian - Business

You might initially assume it would be occupied by Danny Alexander, the sensationally overpromoted former press officer for the Cairngorms National Park, whose role appears to be to spout unintelligible cobblers with bewildering enthusiasm.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

O'Malley sparked a little more enthusiasm from the crowd of 250, with the kind of stirring, populist speech that hinted at comparisons he might want made with the current president.

The Guardian

But some institutions do abuse the enthusiasm of teaching assistants.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enthusiasm" to convey a positive and energetic feeling towards a subject or activity. Ensure the context supports this strong emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "enthusiasm" when describing negative or undesirable situations. It is generally associated with positive emotions; using it otherwise can create confusion or appear sarcastic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "enthusiasm" is as a noun, representing a strong feeling of excitement or eagerness. Ludwig examples show it used to describe personal feelings, public sentiment, or qualities of individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enthusiasm" functions as a noun signifying strong excitement or interest. As Ludwig examples show, it’s grammatically correct and sees frequent use across various contexts, primarily in news and media, formal business settings, and science. Its semantic versatility allows writers to use it to inspire action, describe engagement, or express positive sentiments. While generally appropriate for formal use, remember that "enthusiasm" should be used in positive contexts and can be effectively replaced by synonyms like "zeal" or "passion" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passion

A strong and barely controllable emotion. Can be more intense than "enthusiasm".

zeal

Implies a fervent and often unwavering passion or dedication.

fervor

A passionate intensity of feeling; zealousness.

ardor

Suggests a fiery, intense, and often romantic passion.

zest

Keen enjoyment; excitement.

eagerness

Highlights a strong desire or willingness to do something.

excitement

Focuses more on the thrill and anticipation of something positive.

relish

Enjoyment or delight in something.

energy

The strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity.

interest

The feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "enthusiasm" in a sentence?

You can use "enthusiasm" to describe a strong feeling of excitement or interest in something. For example, "Her "enthusiasm" for the project was infectious" or "He approached the task with great "enthusiasm"".

What are some synonyms for "enthusiasm"?

Alternatives to "enthusiasm" include "zeal", "passion", "ardor", and "fervor". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "enthusiasm" in formal writing?

Yes, "enthusiasm" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when conveying positive engagement or interest in a topic. However, consider the overall tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the context.

What's the difference between "enthusiasm" and "excitement"?

"Enthusiasm" implies a sustained and energetic interest, while "excitement" is often a more fleeting and intense emotional response. You might have "enthusiasm" for a long-term hobby but feel "excitement" about an upcoming event.