The word enthusiasm comes from the Greek word enthousiasmos (ἐνθουσιασμός), which originally meant “to be possessed by a god” or “divine inspiration.” Here’s the breakdown:
- en- (ἐν) = “in”
- theos (θεός) = “god”
So enthousiasmos literally meant “having a god within.” It was used to describe a state of divine frenzy or inspiration, especially in contexts like prophecy, poetry, or religious ecstasy.
Later, the word passed into Latin (enthusiasmus) and Old French, eventually arriving in English in the 16th century. Over time, its meaning shifted from “divine possession” to the more general idea of intense excitement or eagerness.