Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

passionate

American  
[pash-uh-nit] / ˈpæʃ ə nɪt /

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. easily moved to anger; quick-tempered; irascible.

    Synonyms:
    hotheaded, fiery, short-tempered, touchy, choleric, testy
    Antonyms:
    calm, cool

passionate British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonpassionate adjective
  • nonpassionateness noun
  • overpassionate adjective
  • overpassionateness noun
  • passionately adverb
  • passionateness noun
  • unpassionate adjective
  • unpassionateness noun

Etymology

Origin of passionate

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin passiōnātus, equivalent to Late Latin passiōn- passion + Latin -ātus -ate 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Amy and Isaac Post were also abolitionists, passionate about ending the practice of slavery.

From Literature

"She definitely said that it's something that she said felt passionate about, parents being able to be committed and devoted through their own stability."

From BBC

A cover letter can be a great opportunity to tell prospective employers who you are and what you're passionate about.

From BBC

The various proposals across the UK have generated huge controversy, with passionate arguments for and against the changes.

From BBC

The various proposals have generated huge controversy, with passionate arguments for and against the changes.

From BBC