WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
pas•sion•ate /ˈpæʃənɪt/USA pronunciation
adj.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- of or relating to passion:a passionate defense of the rights of the oppressed.
- easily aroused to or influenced by sexual desire:a passionate lover.
pas•sion•ate
(pash′ə nit),USA pronunciation adj.
pas′sion•ate•ly, adv.
pas′sion•ate•ness, n.
- having, compelled by, or ruled by intense emotion or strong feeling;
fervid:a passionate advocate of socialism. - easily aroused to or influenced by sexual desire;
ardently sensual. - expressing, showing, or marked by intense or strong feeling;
emotional:passionate language. - intense or vehement, as emotions or feelings:passionate grief.
- easily moved to anger;
quick-tempered;
irascible.
- Medieval Latin passiōnātus, equivalent. to Late Latin passiōn- passion + Latin -ātus -ate1
- late Middle English 1375–1425
pas′sion•ate•ness, n.
- 1. excitable, emotional, impulsive, zealous. 1. 3. 4. ardent, impassioned, excited, fervent, warm, enthusiastic, earnest, glowing, burning, fiery; animated, impetuous, violent. 5. testy, choleric, hasty, short-tempered, fiery, hotheaded.
- 1. 3. –5. cool, calm.
'passionately' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):