Enthusiasm.
Synonyms:
| ardor, | excitement, | frenzy, | transport, |
| devotion, | extravagance, | inspiration, | vehemence, |
| eagerness, | fanaticism, | intensity, | warmth, |
| earnestness, | fervency, | passion, | zeal. |
| ecstasy, | fervor, | rapture, | |
The old meaning of enthusiasm implies a pseudo-inspiration, an almost frantic extravagance in behalf of something supposed to be an expression of the divine will. This sense remains as the controlling one in the kindred noun enthusiast. Enthusiasm has now chiefly the meaning of an earnest and commendable devotion, an intense and eager interest. Against the hindrances of the world, nothing great and good can be carried without a certain fervor, intensity, and vehemence; these joined with faith, courage, and hopefulness make enthusiasm. Zeal is burning earnestness, always tending to vigorous action with all the devotion of enthusiasm, tho often without its hopefulness. Compare EAGER.
Antonyms:
| calculation, | caution, | deadness, | indifference, | policy, | timidity, |
| calmness, | coldness, | dulness, | lukewarmness, | prudence, | wariness. |