This post is part of the “Roots” series which explores the etymology of powerful words.
In my mind the face of enthusiasm is bug-eyed with excitement, mouth open with joy and nose crinkled with laughter. It is the person in the room who is talking too loud for comfort in normal social settings and too fast for coherent communication. The enthused person is lively, animated, and overflowing with happiness. Their eagerness carries them with the force of rapids, and their enthusiastic expression cannot be missed by those nearby. They are usually either contagious or off-putting, but never invisible.
The Oxford definition of enthusiasm is “intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.”
Some of its synonyms include ardor, fervor, warmth, passion, zeal, energy, vigor, exuberance, wholeheartedness, earnestness, vivacity, and spirit.
Statements made with enthusiasm are sincere and strong. Projects done in enthusiasm have devoted and hardworking collaborators. Stories told with enthusiasm are captivating and inspiring. The best form of encouragement is always the enthusiastic one, ask any coach or parent on the sideline. Enthusiasm gives life and heart and devotion to the things we say and do.
If we take a look at the parts this word is comprised of, we find its ethnicity to be rooted in Greek, with mild Latin and French influences.
Its Greek ancestor is ενθουσιασμος, for “divine inspiration.”
And inherently it hides (εν + θεος), (“in” + “god”), or “to be inspired or possessed by a god.”
What a beautiful thought, that to have God inside of a person can manifest such passionate, energetic, vigorous, wholehearted, earnest, vivacious, and spirited expressions.
If you will permit me to stretch the thought further, the God-filled person is usually either contagious or off-putting, but never invisible. And just as in the beginning God breathed life into Adam’s body, so too when we are filled with the life of God we become enthused (literally!).
God gives life and heart and devotion to us, and to all the things we say and do.
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