Word

enthusiast

noun C1

UK /ɪnˈθuːziˌæst/

US /ənˈθuziˌɪst/

Meanings

noun

A person who is very interested in and excited about a particular activity, subject, or hobby.

Definition

An enthusiast is someone who is very interested in and excited about a particular activity or subject.

An enthusiast is a person who feels strong interest and enjoyment in something and often spends time learning about it or doing it. Enthusiasts usually follow related news, join groups, or collect information and equipment connected to their interest. The word can describe both casual fans and highly dedicated hobbyists, depending on context.

Examples

I’m a photography enthusiast, so I usually plan my trips around the best light and locations.
She’s a theatre enthusiast who reads reviews, follows new directors, and rarely misses an opening night.
He became a cycling enthusiast after moving closer to the mountains and discovering long weekend routes.
They’re astronomy enthusiasts, and they stay up late to watch meteor showers through a telescope.
You don’t have to be a wine enthusiast to appreciate how different the same grape can taste in another region.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse enthusiast (a person) with enthusiastic (an adjective) and say “I am an enthusiast about it” instead of “I am enthusiastic about it.”