Over-enthusiasm

Over-enthusiasm is the state of displaying excessive eagerness, interest, or excitement about something. It often manifests as an amplified or disproportionate reaction to a situation or topic. This can involve an abundance of energy, an eagerness to participate, and sometimes, an inability to recognize potential limitations or negative consequences associated with one's actions or statements. It differs from genuine enthusiasm by its intensity, the potential for impulsivity, and a lack of self-awareness about how one's behaviour is being perceived by others. It can lead to social awkwardness, misguided investments, or the neglecting of other, equally important matters. It's a behaviour marked by an excessive expression or demonstration of positive feelings. Often it involves the quick formation of intense, if often temporary, beliefs.

Over-enthusiasm meaning with examples

• During the pitch meeting, Sarah’s over-enthusiasm for the new marketing campaign bordered on the unprofessional. She constantly interrupted others and promised unrealistic results, ultimately making the team feel uncomfortable. The excessive displays of glee over every minor detail, including promising every client was going to adore the product did not help.
• John’s over-enthusiasm for his new hobby, collecting vintage comic books, led him to spend his entire savings on a single, overpriced issue. He constantly talked about it, even to those with no interest, and ignored warnings from his friends and family about the potential financial consequences of such an activity. The intense feelings were clouding judgement.
• At the conference, Maria’s over-enthusiasm about the speaker's new technology resulted in her monopolizing the Q&A session. She asked multiple questions, even tangential ones, ignoring the fact that others also wanted to participate and learn. Her intense interest in the tech blocked others.
• The political candidate’s over-enthusiasm about his own policies during the debate caused him to overpromise, leading to accusations of insincerity and dishonesty from opponents. His exaggerated claims of success in the past were also very problematic for the audience, even if many agreed on the ideas.
• After discovering a new online game, Tim's over-enthusiasm led him to neglect his work, his studies, and his social life. He stayed up all night playing, neglecting important responsibilities in favor of the game. His behaviour was negatively impacting everyone involved as he neglected them.