What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maniac
Example
He's a maniac when it comes to collecting vintage records. [maniac: noun]
Example
She went on a maniacal rant about the importance of recycling. [maniacal: adjective]
enthusiast
Example
He's a car enthusiast and spends his weekends at car shows. [enthusiast: noun]
Example
She was enthusiastic about trying the new restaurant in town. [enthusiastic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Enthusiast is more commonly used than maniac in everyday language. Enthusiast is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while maniac is less common and may be considered offensive or inappropriate in some situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between maniac and enthusiast?
Both maniac and enthusiast are informal words, but enthusiast is more appropriate for formal contexts due to its positive connotation and versatility.