Understanding the Difference Between Enthusiastic and Enthused

Enthusiastic vs. Enthused

We will talk about two words today: enthusiastic and enthused. They are somewhat alike, but they also have differences.

History

Enthusiastic is an old word. It has been used for a long time and comes from a Greek word. It means to be very excited or eager about something.

Enthused is a newer word. It came from enthusiastic. Some people don’t think it is a real word. But, many people use it to mean “to feel or show enthusiasm.”

How to Use Them

Enthusiastic is usually an adjective. It describes a noun, like a person, or an action, like jumping or talking.

Enthused can be used as an adjective but also as a verb, which means “to make someone feel excited.”

Examples of Enthusiastic

• She is an enthusiastic learner.
• The crowd was very enthusiastic.
• He gave an enthusiastic speech.
• They are enthusiastic about the project.
• I feel enthusiastic when I play soccer.

Examples of Enthused

• He felt enthused after the meeting.
• She was enthused by the news.
• The teacher enthused the students with his talk.
• They were enthused about the idea.
• I am enthused to join the team.

Summary

To remember, use enthusiastic to describe someone or something full of excitement. Use enthused if you want to show the feeling of being excited or to describe someone who became excited. Both mean excitement, but in slightly different ways.