A lack of enthusiasm or opposing excitement in response to something that excites others.
From counter- (Latin contra, meaning 'against') + enthusiasm (Greek enthousiasmós, from en- 'in' + theos 'god'). The prefix counter- was added to create an opposite state of enthusiasm.
This word captures something psychologically fascinating: we don't just lack enthusiasm—we actively develop opposing enthusiasm, which is why some people seem to get energy from being skeptical or contrary to mainstream excitement.
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