Dictionary

passionate

adjective pas·sion·ate \ˈpa-sh(ə-)nət\

: having, showing, or expressing strong emotions or beliefs

: expressing or relating to strong sexual or romantic feelings

Full Definition of PASSIONATE

1
a :  easily aroused to anger
b :  filled with anger :  angry
2
a :  capable of, affected by, or expressing intense feeling
b :  enthusiastic, ardent
3
:  swayed by or affected with sexual desire
pas·sion·ate·ly adverb
pas·sion·ate·ness noun
ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of PASSIONATE

15th century

Synonym Discussion of PASSIONATE

impassioned, passionate, ardent, fervent, fervid, perfervid mean showing intense feeling. impassioned implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression <an impassioned plea for justice>. passionate implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion <a passionate denunciation>. ardent implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm <an ardent supporter of human rights>. fervent stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal <fervent good wishes>. fervid suggests warmly and spontaneously and often feverishly expressed emotion <fervid love letters>. perfervid implies the expression of exaggerated or overwrought feelings <perfervid expressions of patriotism>.
PASSIONATENESS Defined for Kids

passionate

adjective pas·sion·ate \ˈpa-shə-nət\

Definition of PASSIONATE for Kids

1
:  showing or affected by strong feeling <a passionate performance> <“Not like cats!” cried the Mouse in a shrill, passionate voice. “Would YOU like cats if you were me?” — Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland>
2
:  easily caused to feel strong emotions <a passionate person>
pas·sion·ate·ly adverb

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: passionatoPrevious Word in the Dictionary: passionaryAll Words Near: passionate
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears