Words / B2

in-THYOOZ-ee-az-uh-m/ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/

Enthusiasm is keen interest: enthusiasm for; curb your enthusiasm. Enthusiastic is the adjective (next). Interest is weaker; passion is stronger and more personal. Uncountable. Do not write “an enthusiasm” for a hobby unless you mean a particular enthusiasm of hers (possible but marked). Lack of enthusiasm is a common appraisal comment.

Meaning

A strong feeling of interest and enjoyment (enthusiasm for).

Examples

• “Her enthusiasm for the research methods module surprised the tutor.”
• “Her enthusiasm for the methods module surprised the tutor.”
• “Enthusiasm alone did not pass the practical; accuracy still counted.”

Good to know

Uncountable: enthusiasm for + noun/-ing. Adjective: enthusiastic. Weaker: interest. Stronger: passion. Appraisal: lack of enthusiasm.

Near in meaning

keenness

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