entusiasmar
Lemma Details
Translation: to enthuse; to excite; to thrill; to inspire enthusiasm
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From the noun 'entusiasmo' (enthusiasm), which comes from Late Latin 'enthusiasmus' and Greek 'enthousiasmos', meaning 'divine inspiration' or 'possessed by a god'. The Greek term combines 'en' (in, within) and 'theos' (god), literally meaning 'having a god within'. The English cognate 'enthusiasm' shares this same root, making this connection easy to remember.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La música clásica me entusiasma.
Classical music excites me.
El profesor entusiasmó a los estudiantes con su lección.
The teacher enthused the students with his lesson.
Me entusiasma la idea de viajar a España.
The idea of traveling to Spain thrills me.
Su discurso entusiasmó al público.
His speech excited the audience.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'enthusiasm' in English - when you 'entusiasmar' someone, you fill them with enthusiasm.
- Break it down as 'en-tus-iasmar' and think 'I put enthusiasm in you'.
- The 'theos' (god) root reminds us that when someone is truly enthusiastic, they seem divinely inspired.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This verb is commonly used in Spanish to express excitement about events, ideas, or activities. Spanish speakers often use it to describe their reactions to sports, arts, or new experiences. It's slightly more emphatic than simply 'liking' something.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'entusiasmar' means to fill with enthusiasm or excitement, 'animar' is more about encouraging or cheering someone up. 'Entusiasmar' implies a stronger emotional reaction of excitement.
Notes: 'Entusiasmar' typically describes a more intense emotional state than 'animar'. 'Animar' can be used for simple encouragement, while 'entusiasmar' implies genuine excitement or passion.
Mnemonic: 'Entusiasmar' has 'tus' in it, like 'enthusiasm' - it's about creating strong excitement. 'Animar' is related to 'animate' - giving life or spirit to someone.
Explanation: 'Entusiasmar' expresses excitement and enthusiasm, while 'interesar' indicates interest or curiosity, which is a milder emotion.
Confused word:
El tema me interesa, pero no me apasiona.
I'm interested in the topic, but I'm not passionate about it.
Notes: The intensity of emotion is the key difference - 'entusiasmar' implies passion and excitement, while 'interesar' is more intellectual and less emotional.
Mnemonic: Think of 'entusiasmar' as creating enthusiasm (strong emotion), while 'interesar' just creates interest (milder emotion).