Passionate

ˈpæʃənɪt

adjectiveBeginner📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Having or showing strong feelings or a strong belief about something.

ˈpæʃənɪt

adjectivepositiveBeginner
General

Showing or caused by strong feelings or a strong belief.

She is passionate about protecting animals.

💡 Simply: Being super excited and enthusiastic about something, like when you *really* love a hobby or care deeply about a cause. Like if you absolutely love to cook, you're passionate about it!

👶 For kids: When you really, really, really love something and get super excited about it!

More Examples

2

The chef was passionate about using fresh ingredients.

3

They had a passionate discussion about the film's ending.

How It's Used

General conversation

"He is passionate about environmental conservation."

Politics

"The candidate delivered a passionate speech on economic reform."

Arts & Entertainment

"She is a passionate advocate for the arts and cultural preservation."

2

Showing strong sexual feelings.

ˈpæʃənɪt

adjectivepositivemedium
General

Showing or caused by sexual desire.

Their relationship was filled with passionate moments.

💡 Simply: Sometimes it can also mean feeling strong romantic or sexual feelings for someone. Imagine a couple kissing and getting lost in the moment – that's pretty passionate!

👶 For kids: When you really, really, really like someone in a romantic way.

More Examples

2

The novel described a passionate love affair between the two main characters.

3

She wrote passionate love letters to her partner.

How It's Used

Romantic context

"They shared a passionate kiss."

Literature

"The novel depicted a passionate love affair."

Tip:Similar to the first meaning, but focused on romantic love.

Idioms & expressions

a passionate plea

An earnest and emotional request or appeal.

"The activist made a passionate plea for environmental protection."

passionately in love

Deeply and romantically in love.

"They were passionately in love and couldn't bear to be apart."

From Late Latin *passionatus*, derived from *passio* ('suffering, passion') and the suffix *-atus* (indicating 'characterized by'). The word originally related to suffering or strong emotions, later evolving to primarily denote intense enthusiasm or feeling.

The word has been used since the 14th century and initially referred to suffering, later evolving to encompass strong emotions and enthusiasm.

Memory tip

Think of a 'passion' – it ignites strong emotions.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"suffering, emotion, passion"

passionate aboutpassionate advocatepassionate pleapassionate kisspassionate lovepassionate feelingspassionate concern

Common misspellings

passinatepassionet

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written