Words / B2

in-THYOOZ/ɪnˈθjuːz/

To enthuse is to show great excitement and interest, or to make someone feel that way: enthuse about / over; enthuse an audience. Enthusiasm is the noun (already in the dictionary); rave about is informal. Do not write enthuse for a mark scheme tick. Mix-up: enthuse vs enthuse as a snobbish “they enthused” with no object; confuse with confuse; do not write enthuse for a calm preference.

Meaning

To show great excitement and interest, or to make someone feel that way (enthuse about).

Examples

• “Do not write enthuse for a mark scheme tick; quote what they praised, the English paper said.”
• “The teacher enthused the set about the practical, which is the cause-excitement sense — still name the task.”

Good to know

enthuse about / over; enthuse someone. Noun: enthusiasm. Informal: rave about. Trap: a tick / a calm like. English, media, and PE. Show or create excitement — quote the praise.

Near in meaning

rave, get excited, inspire

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