Passionate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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passionate

[ˈpæʃənət ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a romantic relationship

Showing or expressing strong emotions, especially love or desire. Being deeply enthusiastic or excited about something.

Synonyms

ardent, enthusiastic, fervent, intense, zealous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
passionate	Describes a strong, deep emotional connection or commitment to something, often used in personal or romantic contexts. She was passionate about music, spending hours each day practicing the piano. Their relationship was intense and passionate.
intense	Denotes strong and extreme force of feeling or experience, can have a negative or overwhelming connotation. The competition was intense, with everyone giving their best. His intense glare made everyone uncomfortable.
ardent	Implies strong enthusiasm and eagerness, often used to describe supporters or advocates. He was an ardent supporter of environmental causes. Her ardent desire to succeed drove her to work tirelessly.
zealous	Reflects strong enthusiasm and eagerness, often in a way that can be excessive or overly intense, sometimes with a negative connotation. He was a zealous advocate for the cause, sometimes to the annoyance of others. Her zealous efforts to organize the event paid off.
fervent	Expresses intense and sincere feelings, often used in contexts involving beliefs or convictions. He made a fervent plea for peace. Her fervent prayers were a testament to her faith.
enthusiastic	Conveys high energy and excitement about an activity or subject, often in a positive and motivating manner. The crowd was enthusiastic about the team's victory. She was enthusiastic about starting her new job.

Examples of usage

She is a passionate lover, always expressing her love with great intensity.
He is a passionate musician, playing with so much emotion and energy.
I am passionate about protecting the environment and fighting for social justice.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in a professional context

Having or showing strong beliefs or feelings about something. Being deeply committed and dedicated to a cause or goal.

Synonyms

committed, dedicated, enthusiastic, fervent, zealous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
passionate	Best used to describe someone who has intense emotions or a strong love for something or someone. Often implies a deep connection and intensity. She is passionate about her work in environmental conservation The passionate speech moved everyone in the audience
dedicated	Used to describe someone who puts a lot of time and effort into something they believe in or care about. It also implies a high level of loyalty. The dedicated teacher stayed late to help her students He is dedicated to finding a solution to this problem
committed	Used when referring to someone who is devoted to a cause, task, or person, often implying a sense of responsibility and reliability. He is committed to improving the quality of education in his community Her committed attitude towards the project ensured its success
enthusiastic	Describes someone who shows great excitement, interest, or eagerness in something, often in a positive and energetic manner. She gave an enthusiastic presentation that engaged everyone The children were enthusiastic about the field trip
zealous	Often has a slightly negative connotation, describing someone who is very eager and passionate about something, sometimes to the point of being overzealous or fanatical. The zealous fan followed the band on their entire tour His zealous behavior towards the new company policy was off-putting to some colleagues
fervent	Used to describe someone who has very strong and sincere beliefs or feelings about something. Often associated with intense emotion and conviction. He is a fervent supporter of human rights Her fervent prayer showed her deep faith

Examples of usage

She is a passionate advocate for human rights, always fighting for equality and justice.
He is a passionate chef, creating dishes with love and dedication.
They are passionate about their work, always striving for excellence.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research suggests that feeling passionate about a subject can enhance motivation and improve overall well-being.
When people engage in activities they are passionate about, they often experience a state known as 'flow', where they are fully immersed and losing track of time.

Arts and Literature

Many famous authors, like Pablo Neruda, wrote passionate love poems that captivate hearts across generations.
The expression 'passion' is often reflected in art, as artists pour their soul into their work, creating pieces that evoke strong emotions.

Pop Culture

In movies, characters driven by passion often embark on grand adventures, showcasing the powerful impact of their feelings.
Popular songs frequently explore themes of passion, emphasizing how love and desire can transform lives in dramatic ways.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche believed that passion is essential to living a fulfilled and meaningful life.
Socrates suggested that passionate pursuits can lead to greater knowledge and self-understanding, as they challenge and engage us deeply.

Origin of 'passionate'

Main points about word origin

Derived from the Latin word 'pati', which means 'to suffer' or 'to endure', indicating deep emotional investment.
The term was used in the late Middle Ages to describe both love and intense suffering, showing how love can be both uplifting and painful.

The word 'passionate' has its origins in the Latin word 'passionatus', which means 'full of intense feelings'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe strong emotions or intense enthusiasm. Over time, 'passionate' has evolved to encompass a wide range of contexts, from romantic relationships to professional pursuits, where deep commitment and strong feelings are valued.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,425 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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