enthusiastic
gb/ɪnθˌuziˈæstɪk/ us/ɪnθˌuziˈæstɪk/
B1
English
~ 5200
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
very interested and excited
Feeling or showing great interest and excitement about something.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is enthusiastic about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners often use the wrong preposition and say *enthusiastic for* or *enthusiastic on* instead of *enthusiastic about*. Also, some learners say *very enthusiasm* instead of *a lot of enthusiasm* or *very enthusiastic* when they want an adjective.
Synonyms
excited (Suggests strong emotional energy; can be more temporary or about a specific event.)
|
eager (Focuses on wanting something very much, not always as emotionally expressive.)
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passionate (Stronger and deeper feeling, often about long-term interests or beliefs.)
|
keen (Common in British English; slightly milder and more neutral in tone.)
Antonyms
uninterested (Shows a lack of interest or curiosity, the opposite of strong interest.)
|
indifferent (Suggests not caring either way, with no emotional reaction.)
|
unenthusiastic (Direct opposite; clearly lacking excitement or positive feeling.)
Collocations
enthusiastic about
|enthusiastic response
|enthusiastic supporter
|enthusiastic reception
|wildly enthusiastic
|genuinely enthusiastic
Themes
emotions
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The students were surprisingly enthusiastic about the new science project.
- She gave an enthusiastic yes when they offered her the job.
- The book received an enthusiastic review in the newspaper.
- His enthusiastic attitude made the training session more enjoyable for everyone.
- The crowd gave the performers an enthusiastic round of applause.
Learner examples
- The children are very enthusiastic about the trip.
- He is enthusiastic about learning English.
- My boss was enthusiastic about my idea.
- They were not very enthusiastic about the plan.
- She sounded enthusiastic when she talked about her new job.
adjective
B1
property
2
very willing and keen to act
Very ready and happy to do something or join an activity.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is enthusiastic to [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *enthusiastic for do something* instead of *enthusiastic to do something*. Use *to + verb*, for example: *She is enthusiastic to learn*, not *enthusiastic for learn*.
Synonyms
motivated (Focuses on having a strong reason or drive to act, not always emotional excitement.)
|
willing (Implies readiness to do something, but can be less energetic than enthusiastic.)
|
keen (Common in British English to mean 'very ready and wanting to do something'.)
Antonyms
reluctant (Describes someone who does not really want to do something or is slow to agree.)
|
unwilling (Stronger refusal or lack of desire to do something.)
Collocations
enthusiastic to learn
|enthusiastic to help
|enthusiastic to get started
|enthusiastic to join
|enthusiastic to participate
Themes
emotions
|work
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The volunteers were enthusiastic to begin cleaning the beach.
- She is enthusiastic to take on more responsibility at work.
- New employees are often enthusiastic to prove themselves.
- He seemed enthusiastic to meet the rest of the team.
- The kids were enthusiastic to try the new game.
Learner examples
- The students are enthusiastic to start the project.
- I am enthusiastic to learn more English.
- She is enthusiastic to help her friends.
- They are enthusiastic to join the club.
- He is enthusiastic to try new food.
Grammar
Dictionary form
enthusiastic
IPA
GB/ɪnθˌuziˈæstɪk/
US/ɪnθˌuziˈæstɪk/
Syllables & stress
en - thu - si - ast - ic (5 syllables)
Stress on 4th syllable (ast)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: enthusiastic
Word family
Core family
enthusiasm
noun B1
enthusiastically
adverb B2
Related words
enthusiast
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
unenthusiastic
adjective C1
unenthusiastically
adverb
Advanced or less common
enthuse
verb C1
overenthusiastic
adjective
Expressions
enthusiastic about
1/ɪnθˌuziˈæstɪk əbˈaʊt/
fixed phrase
very interested or excited about
Very interested in something and happy or excited when you think about it.
Examples
- She is really enthusiastic about her new business.
- They were not very enthusiastic about the idea at first.
- The teacher is enthusiastic about using technology in the classroom.
enthusiastic supporter
1/ɪnθˌuziˈæstɪk səpˈɔɹtɚ/
fixed phrase
person who strongly supports
Someone who supports a person, team, or idea very strongly and with a lot of energy.
Examples
- He has always been an enthusiastic supporter of local charities.
- The politician has many enthusiastic supporters in the city.
- She became an enthusiastic supporter of the project after the first meeting.
less than enthusiastic
1/lˈɛs ðən ɪnθˌuziˈæstɪk/
fixed phrase
not very interested or keen
Not very interested or excited; only a little positive, or even quite negative.
Examples
- The staff were less than enthusiastic about the new schedule.
- His parents were less than enthusiastic when he told them his plan.
- The proposal received a less than enthusiastic response from the board.