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.

Enthusiastic vs Fanatic - What's the difference?

enthusiastic | fanatic | Related terms |

As adjectives the difference between enthusiastic and fanatic

is that enthusiastic is with zealous fervor; excited, motivated while fanatic is fanatical.

As a noun fanatic is

a person who is zealously enthusiastic for some cause, especially in religion.

enthusiastic

English

(enthusiasm)

Alternative forms

* (l) (obsolete)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • With zealous fervor; excited, motivated.
    • A young man of a visionary and enthusiastic character. — W. Irving.
    an enthusiastic lover of art

    Derived terms

    * (l)

    Related terms

    * (l) * (l)

    fanatic

    English

    Alternative forms

    * fanatick (obsolete)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Fanatical.
  • * T. Moore
    • But Faith, fanatic Faith, once wedded fast / To some dear falsehood, hugs it to the last.
  • (obsolete) Showing evidence of possession by a god or demon; frenzied, overzealous.

    • Noun

    (en noun)
  • A person who is zealously enthusiastic for some cause, especially in religion.

    • See also

    * fan * crank

    Quotations

    * A zealot can't change his mind. A fanatic can't change his mind and won't change the subject. — (attributed) * A fanatic is one who redoubles his effort when he has forgotten his aim. —