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Definition of enthusiast

enthusiast

/ɪnˈθuːziˌæst/
en · thu · si · ast
Adverb:enthusiastically
•
Plural:enthusiasts
•
Adjective:enthusiastic
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enthusiast Lexical Profile

enthusiast Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who is intensely interested in, devoted to, or passionate about a particular activity, subject, or hobby.

Example

"The annual convention attracts vintage car enthusiasts from all over the country."

2

A person filled with excessive religious zeal or claiming direct supernatural inspiration (historical or archaic).

Example

"Seventeenth-century theologians frequently wrote tracts warning against self-proclaimed religious enthusiasts."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

enthronement
enthuse
enthusiasm
enthusiast
enthusiastic
enthusiastically
entice

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Ancient Greek 'enthousiastes' ('an inspired person'), from 'entheos' ('possessed by a god'), combining 'en-' ('in') and 'theos' ('god'). Originally used in the 17th century as a derogatory term for religious fanatics claiming direct divine inspiration, it softened by the 18th century to mean any passionate devotee.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Enthusiast. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/enthusiast
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