Basic Details
Word: Fanatic
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person who is extremely enthusiastic about something, often to an excessive degree.
Synonyms: Enthusiast, zealot, devotee
Antonyms: Moderate, dispassionate, indifferent
Idioms and Phrases
- Fanatic at heart: Describes someone who is extremely passionate about a particular subject. Example: "He is a fanatic at heart when it comes to football; he never misses a game."
- Fanaticism knows no bounds: Indicates that extreme enthusiasm can lead to irrational behaviour. Example: "Her love for the band was so intense that fanaticism knew no bounds, making her follow them on every tour."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The young girl was a true fanatic of space, reading every book about planets and astronauts she could find.
Example 2: His fanatic devotion to the team led him to paint his face in the team's colours during every match.
Example 3: Some people consider him a fanatic for his unwavering support for environmental causes.
Fun Fact
The word "fanatic" comes from the Latin word 'fanaticus', meaning "of the temple" or "inspired by a deity". It was originally used to describe individuals who were overly enthusiastic about religious practices.
Famous Quote
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." Winston Churchill
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "fanatic" mean?
a) A very calm person
b) A person with extreme enthusiasm
c) A person who dislikes something
d) A casual observer
Answer: b) A person with extreme enthusiasm
2. Which of these is a synonym of "fanatic"?
a) Indifferent
b) Enthusiast
c) Casual
d) Bystander
Answer: b) Enthusiast
3. What is the antonym of "fanatic"?
a) Zealot
b) Moderate
c) Devotee
d) Supporter
Answer: b) Moderate
4. Which sentence uses "fanatic" correctly?
a) She was a fanatic about learning new languages and spoke five fluently.
b) The fanatic climbed the mountain effortlessly.
c) A fanatic is someone who dislikes everything.
d) The cake was a fanatic success.
Answer: a) She was a fanatic about learning new languages and spoke five fluently.
5. Which idiom talks about extreme enthusiasm or commitment?
a) Fanatic at heart
b) The apple of my eye
c) At a loss for words
d) In the same boat
Answer: a) Fanatic at heart
