The spectrum of human emotion is so vast that attempts to define and categorize each feeling as separate and distinct becomes an arduous task. Some emotions defy to be represented by mere word and description. Other emotions have multiple definitions depending on the situation or context. Yet others have different meanings to different people based on personal perspective. Three emotions that escape specific definition for many people are surprise, amazement, and enthusiasm. However, each can be compared and contrasted until notable differences come to light.

Surprise

Surprise is an emotion that comes on quickly, without warning, and usually fades just as fast. Attempts at categorization have deemed surprise as a fleeting reactive emotion that can result from either a cognitive or non-cognitive process. This can be broken down in the following manner:

• Fleeting – Surprise begins suddenly and usually lasts for only a few seconds before it gives way to another emotion or to indifference.
• Reactive – Surprise is a direct response to an external stimulus.
• Cognition – Emotions can be categorized as either cognitive or non-cognitive. Cognitive emotions require thought to activate. Non-cognitive emotions can arise without being processed through conscious thoughts. Surprise can occur either way.

The dictionary definition of surprise is to take someone unaware or unexpectedly. When an unanticipated event occurs suddenly or when someone makes a statement of unexpected content, the result is often a feeling of surprise or incredulity. This can occur without understanding what is going on, such as when a loud noise is produced without warning, or it can occur with full knowledge and thought of the proceedings.

Surprise can be indicated through several physical responses. The heart and breathing may quicken, breathing may be momentarily halted, and/or facial expressions may be displayed. The most common facial expressions as a result of surprise are a dropped jaw or open mouth, raised eyebrows, facial tension, and wide eyes.

Surprise, itself, is a neutral emotion, but it may give way to other emotions that can be neutral, positive, or negative depending on the situation. Respective examples are relief, happiness, and fear.

Amazement

Amazement is thought of as a type of surprise, but it is always cognitive and usually positive in nature. It also usually lasts much longer than standard surprise. A common synonym for amazement is astonishment. Amazement is often felt as a response to witnessing something that would otherwise not be believed had it not been witnessed. It can also be the result of witnessing something that had been believed but never experienced first-hand. The event or situation may be so intense on the senses as to cause an overwhelming emotional state labelled as amazement.

Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is a completely different emotion than surprise and amazement. In fact, many people believe that enthusiasm is not an emotion at all. Enthusiasm is more of a state of mind or personality trait than a true emotion. It is an outlook toward a subject that can be either general or specific. Some people are enthusiastic about life in general and lead an enthusiastic lifestyle. Some people are only enthusiastic toward a specific subject like their work, their children, or a particular event such as a holiday.

Historically, enthusiasm was an attitude inspired by deep religious inspiration. The word enthusiasm derives from the Greek, meaning “the god within.” Enthusiasm was used to mean someone possessed by god or by a divine spirit. During the 16th and 17th centuries, someone who takes up a specific cause, be it religious or political, came to be called an enthusiast.

Today, someone is said to display enthusiasm when they exhibit a great desire to accomplish a task or a great joy in doing the best they can do in a specific activity. Someone is enthusiastic when they display a sincere passion for something. It causes them into actions that are beneficial to the subject of their enthusiasm and away from actions that are of detriment to that subject. Persistence and dedication are two words often used in the description of enthusiasm.