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Where does the word "enthusiasm" come from? It comes from Greek entheos, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).
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Where does the word "enthusiasm" come from? It comes from Greek entheos, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).
Enthusiasm’s story begins in Greek: entheos meant “possessed by a god, divinely inspired.” Literally possessed by a god, filled with divine inspiration, from en- (in) and theos (god). It reached English by 1600s as enthusiasm. Broadened from religious ecstasy to any intense, eager interest. Today, enthusiasm means intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.
- Stage 1 · Greek · ancient entheos "possessed by a god, divinely inspired", literally possessed by a god, filled with divine inspiration, from en- (in) and theos (god).
- Stage 2 · English · 1600s enthusiasm "intense and eager enjoyment or interest", broadened from religious ecstasy to any intense, eager interest.