enthuse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, sometimes considered informal or journalistic, occasionally criticized in formal writing.
Quick answer
What does “enthuse” mean?
To show or express great excitement, passion, or interest about something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To show or express great excitement, passion, or interest about something.
To make someone feel or become enthusiastic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more accepted in American English, though usage is similar. Both varieties use it primarily in informal contexts.
Connotations
Can sometimes carry a faintly journalistic or promotional tone. In very formal writing, alternatives like 'express enthusiasm for' may be preferred.
Frequency
Moderate and comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “enthuse” in a Sentence
intransitive: SUBJ + enthuse + about/over OBJtransitive: SUBJ + enthuse + OBJ (person)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enthuse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She would always enthuse about her holiday in the Lake District.
- The manager enthused the team with his vision for the project.
American English
- He enthused over the new tech gadget for an hour.
- Her speech really enthused the audience.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing or leadership contexts to describe generating excitement about a product or vision.
Academic
Generally avoided in formal academic prose; 'discuss with enthusiasm' or 'advocate for' are preferred.
Everyday
Common in conversational English when someone is talking excitedly.
Technical
Rare in technical contexts unless describing human factors or communication.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enthuse”
- Using it in very formal essays where it may be marked as informal. Incorrectly using it with a direct object for a thing (e.g., 'He enthused the idea' is wrong; it should be 'He enthused about the idea' or 'He enthused his colleagues about the idea').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a standard English word, formed in the 19th century from 'enthusiasm'. Some style guides still caution against its use in very formal writing.
Yes, the transitive use ('She enthused the crowd') is established, though slightly less common than the intransitive use with 'about' or 'over'.
Learners often try to use it with a thing as a direct object (e.g., 'I enthuse history'). The correct pattern is 'I enthuse about history' or 'History enthuses me' (less common).
In informal contexts, especially in American English, 'enthused' is sometimes used as an adjective ('The enthused fans cheered loudly'). In formal writing, 'enthusiastic' is the preferred adjective.
To show or express great excitement, passion, or interest about something.
Enthuse is usually informal, sometimes considered informal or journalistic, occasionally criticized in formal writing. in register.
Enthuse: in British English it is pronounced /ɪnˈθjuːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪnˈθuːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ENTHUSiasm needs a verb, so it got shortened to ENTHUSE.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENTHUSIASM IS A FLUID (gush, effuse) / ENTHUSIASM IS HEAT (warm to, fire up).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most formal alternative to 'He enthused about the plan'?