Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words (original) (raw)

passionate

adjective

  1. having, compelled by, or ruled by intense emotion or strong feeling; fervid:
    a passionate advocate of socialism.
    Synonyms: violent, fiery, burning, glowing, earnest, enthusiastic, warm, fervent, excited, impassioned, ardent, impetuous, impulsive, zealous, emotional, excitable
    Antonyms: calm, cool
  2. easily aroused to or influenced by sexual desire; ardently sensual.
  3. expressing, showing, or marked by intense or strong feeling; emotional:
    passionate language.
    Synonyms: violent, fiery, burning, glowing, earnest, enthusiastic, warm, fervent, excited, impassioned, ardent
    Antonyms: calm, cool
  4. intense or vehement, as emotions or feelings:
    passionate grief.
    Synonyms: violent, fiery, burning, glowing, earnest, enthusiastic, warm, fervent, excited, impassioned, ardent
    Antonyms: calm, cool
  5. Synonyms: hotheaded, fiery, short-tempered, touchy, choleric, testy
    Antonyms: calm, cool

/ ˈpæʃənɪt /

adjective

  1. manifesting or exhibiting intense sexual feeling or desire
    a passionate lover
  2. capable of, revealing, or characterized by intense emotion
    a passionate plea
  3. easily roused to anger; quick-tempered

Discover More

Derived Forms

Discover More

Other Words From

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of passionate1

First recorded in

1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin passiōnātus, equivalent to Late Latin passiōn- passion

+ Latin -ātus -ate 1

Discover More

Example Sentences

“We have a very passionate audience, and we understand them very well,” said Jason Klarman, Fox News Media’s chief digital and marketing officer.

“I love the fans — I loved how passionate they were,” Garoppolo said.

It’s these little details that elevate this gay, Sicily-set coming-of-age drama beyond its familiar story beats of tentative exploration, passionate but secret romance, and tragedy.

"That's why I'm so passionate about coming out and supporting young people."

He’s so talented, and so passionate about what he does.