passionately

[pash-uh-nit-lee]

adverb

1. in a way that is driven by intense feeling or strong conviction.

   You've written a much-needed book; hats off to you for championing the real issues so passionately.

2. in a way that channels or expresses ardent sexual desire.

   We were soon kissing passionately in the back of the taxi.

3. with enthusiasm and eagerness; wholeheartedly.

   I reserve the right to live passionately, to be a little reckless, and to make a few mistakes, as long as I learn from them.

Other Word Forms

• nonpassionately adverb
• overpassionately adverb
• unpassionately adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of passionately¹

passionate ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

“And the cases that people litigate . . . they only bother to litigate the things that they’re really, truly disagreeing about that they feel passionately about. And then those are the cases that we see.”

From Salon

I know that you will continue to fight for the causes you care so passionately about.

From BBC

"I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn't always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately."

From BBC

But he passionately defended the project, saying it will provide much-needed jobs and revenue to an area where many struggle to eat.

From Los Angeles Times

“More importantly, he was a devoted father who passionately loved his family and everyone around him.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• excitedly www.thesaurus.com
• intensely 
• lovingly www.thesaurus.com