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passionate Definition

pas·sion·ate (pas̸h′ə nit)

adjective

  1. having or showing strong feelings; full of passion
  2. easily angered; hot-tempered
  3. resulting from, expressing, or tending to arouse strong feeling; ardent; intense; impassioned a passionate speech
  4. readily aroused to sexual activity; sensual
  5. strong; vehement: said of an emotion

Etymology: ME passionat < ML passionatus

passionate Related Forms

pas′·sion·ately adverb

passionate Synonyms

passionate

modif.

  1. Excitable

    vehement, hotheaded, tempestuous; see excitable.

  2. Ardent

    intense, impassioned, ardent, loving, fervent, fervid, emotional, moving, inspiring, dramatic, melodramatic, romantic, amorous, erotic, lustful, concupiscent, poignant, swelling, enthusiastic, eager, zealous, excited, stimulating, wistful, stirring, thrilling, warm, burning, glowing, blazing, vehement, deep, affecting, eloquent, spirited, fiery, expressive, forceful, heated, hot, flaming, feverish, sultry, high-powered*, steamed-up*, horny*, steamy*, hot-blooded*; see also enthusiastic 2, 3, excited, exciting, stimulating.

  3. Intense

    strong, vehement, violent; see intense.

passionate implies strong or violent emotion, often of an impetuous kind a passionate rage; impassioned suggests an expression of emotion that is deeply and sincerely felt an impassioned plea for tolerance; ardent and fervent suggest a fiery or glowing feeling of eagerness, enthusiasm, devotion, etc. an ardent admirer, a fervent prayer; fervid differs from fervent in often suggesting an outburst of intense feeling that is at a fever pitch a vengeful, fervid hatred

passionate Usage Examples

Preposition: about

  • bike: The staff has decades of testing and riding experience and are all still passionate about bikes.
  • wildlife: My son, passionate about wildlife, learned to read through books about animals.
  • cooking: Ian grew up in Hong Kong and is passionate about Asian cooking and that's reflected in Gilgamesh's dining experience.
  • football: And although still passionate about football, Derrick focused on his natural talent for the game of basketball.
  • sport: I work as an IT trainer and I am passionate about sport, mainly Rugby union but also anything on sky sports!
  • music: We are always looking for new members who are enthusiastic, committed and passionate about music.

Modifying Another Word

  • intensely: There is usually no shortage of romantic candidates drawn to their vibrant and charismatic appeal and young love can be intensely passionate.
  • fiercely: I've met many people working for Shelter who are fiercely passionate and dedicated to the organization they work for.
  • equally: Not all of it deserves an equally passionate defense.
  • genuinely: The staff were very helpful, the chef genuinely passionate about the food and the stunning belly dancers topped off two brilliant nights.
  • incredibly: With almost 10 years usability experience, she's incredibly passionate about usability, talking to anyone she can about it.
  • deeply: Charlie has devoted his entire life to music and is deeply passionate about brass banding.

Modifies a noun

  • advocate: The next speaker was a passionate advocate of rehabilitation, John Irvine, Senior Lecturer in Rehabilitation Studies.
  • plea: He was an extraordinary figure whose passionate plea for liberty, has relevance for every generation.
  • kiss: Spike and Buffy end up in a passionate kiss.
  • believer: The first thing I would like to do is declare my hand - I am a passionate believer in regional broadcasting.
  • devotion: I would like to single out just one, his passionate devotion to the underprivileged.
  • supporter: He is a passionate Celtic supporter, where he is also an investor.

Used with adjective complement

  • feel: I, like Sam, feel passionate about finding a resolution to the problem.
  • become: I could see how they'd become passionate about saving the nation.