enthusiasm

/in-ˈthü-zē-ˌa-zəm/

borrowed from Late Latin & Greek; Late Latin enthūsiasmos "inspiration, frenzy," borrowed from Greek enthousiasmós, from enthousiázein "to be inspired or possessed by a god" (re-formation of entheázein —perhaps by crossing with thysiázein "to sacrifice"— verbal derivative of éntheos, énthous "possessed by a god, inspired," from en- + -theos, adjectival derivative of theós "god") + -asmos, variant after -i- of -ismos -ism

noun

  1. strong excitement of feeling : ardor

  2. something inspiring zeal or fervor

  3. belief in special revelations of the Holy Spirit

did her work with energy and enthusiasm

his enthusiasms include sailing and fishing

passion fervor ardor enthusiasm zeal mean intense emotion compelling action. passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable. fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.