What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Earnestness vs Enthusiasm - What's the difference?

earnestness | enthusiasm |

As nouns the difference between earnestness and enthusiasm

is that earnestness is the quality of being earnest; sincerity; seriousness while enthusiasm is (obsolete|or|historical) possession by a god; divine inspiration or frenzy.

earnestness

English

Noun

(-)
  • The quality of being earnest; sincerity; seriousness.
  • * 22 March 2012 , Scott Tobias, AV Club The Hunger Games [http://www.avclub.com/articles/the-hunger-games,71293/]
  • *:She’s joined, on the boys’ side, by Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), a baker’s son whose earnestness masks a gift for strategy that Katniss lacks.
  • enthusiasm

    Noun

  • (obsolete, or, historical) Possession by a god; divine inspiration or frenzy.
  • * 1946 , Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy , ch. 1
  • The intoxication that they sought was that of ‘enthusiasm ’, of union with the god.
  • Intensity of feeling; excited interest or eagerness.
  • Something in which one is keenly interested.
  • * 1968 , Central States Archaeological Journal (volumes 15-16, page 154)
  • My main enthusiasm is attending and seeing the progress and interest of collectors, to meet old friends, and hopefully to make new friends.
  • * 2012 , Nicholas Joll, Philosophy and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (page 23)
  • Other Adamsian enthusiasms included: fast cars; restaurants; Bach, the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Dire Straits;