enthuse
enthuse Lexical Profile
enthuse Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To express eager enjoyment, interest, or approval regarding something.
"The art critic continued to enthuse about the young painter's bold use of color."
To make someone feel eager, interested, or excited about something.
"The dynamic lecturer managed to enthuse even the most reluctant students in the auditorium."
Word Nuance & Usage
Because 'enthuse' originated in the 19th century as a back-formation from 'enthusiasm,' some traditional style guides still regard it as somewhat informal in strictly academic prose, though it is thoroughly established in modern journalism and everyday writing.
• Rhymes for enthuse
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the early 19th century as a back-formation from 'enthusiasm,' which ultimately derives from the Ancient Greek 'enthousiasmos,' meaning 'divine inspiration' (from 'entheos,' meaning 'possessed by a god').