contagious enthusiasm
- noun
:
entusiasmo contagioso
- Her contagious enthusiasm for the new volunteer program encouraged many to sign up and help out.
Examples
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His knowledge and contagious enthusiasm actually made me appreciate Shakespeare's abstruse phraseology.
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The literature suggests that competent leaders are always bright, seem to seek responsibility and authority, display skills at whatever they are "leading" in, seem to display a contagious enthusiasm, are always perceived to possess a tremendous capacity for hard work, and have a great sense of humor most of the time.
Academic text (1995) -
David's contagious enthusiasm, genuine passion, and solid mastery of the topic made this an enjoyable, engaging experience.
Blog text (14) -
Let's just say that I think Darabont has a contagious enthusiasm for Lucas's properties and an innate talent for adapting the works of others.
Blog text (22) -
David's contagious enthusiasm inspired everyone in the group to participate actively in the project.
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The teacher's contagious enthusiasm for science made her students excited about learning.
Synonyms
Strong, happy feeling that makes other people excited
A strong happiness that spreads to others and makes them smile
Antonyms
How Contagious
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is compositionally built: 'contagious' (able to be spread) modifies 'enthusiasm' (excitement), so a learner who knows both words can infer 'enthusiasm that spreads to others.' This adjective–noun pattern is common cross-linguistically and follows ordinary English composition, making the meaning immediately transparent to a B1 learner.
Etymology
The phrase contagious enthusiasm gives a simple picture: contagious is like a sickness that spreads and enthusiasm is strong excitement, so it feels as if excitement moves from one person to another. That's why it means 'enthusiasm that easily spreads and inspires others'.