Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse people. I have found the following to be among them:
ENTHUSE / ENTHUSIASM / ENTHUSIASTIC
In this case, it’s not a matter of misusing one word to mean another but rather use of the word enthuse, which is still considered improper by many, to mean express with great joy or excitement. While enthuse, a verb derived from the noun enthusiasm and used to mean be enthusiastic, can be found in the dictionary and has come into common usage, it is considered as a colloquialism by many and therefore not suitable for formal writing. In other words, it may be fine to use enthuse in an email to a friend, but it is not recommended for official reports or other more formal writing.
SUBSTANDARD: I love it when you enthuse over my artistic efforts.
STANDARD: I love it when you show enthusiasm for my artistic efforts.
STANDARD: I love it when you’re enthusiastic about my artistic efforts.
© 2019 Ann Henry, all rights reserved.