What term describes intense interest or excitement?

The term that describes intense interest or excitement is "enthusiasm." This word conveys a sense of eagerness and passionate involvement in a subject or activity. When a person exhibits enthusiasm, it indicates strong emotions and a commitment to pursue whatever captivates their attention, whether it's a hobby, a project, or an idea. This high level of engagement is often infectious and can inspire others around them.

While other terms may relate to emotions or interest in various ways, they do not capture the specific connotation of intense excitement associated with enthusiasm. For instance, ambivalence refers to having mixed feelings about something, apathy indicates a lack of interest or concern, and curiosity denotes a desire to learn or know more about something, but it may not convey the same level of excitement as enthusiasm.