English Reference
noun

passion

n.
US /ˈpæʃən/ UK /pˈæʃən/ pas·sion UK spelling passions

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    a very strong interest in an activity or subject that you love doing.

    an intense enthusiasm or compelling desire for a particular activity, hobby, or field of study.

    Simple

    His passion for cooking led him to open his own restaurant in the city.

    In context

    Her lifelong passion for marine biology was evident in the meticulous way she documented the local coral reef's health.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a powerful feeling of sexual or romantic love for someone.

    intense sexual or romantic desire; a state of strong emotional attraction to another person.

    Simple

    The young couple's passion for each other was obvious to everyone at the party.

    In context

    The novel explores the destructive nature of a passion that ignores social boundaries and personal responsibilities.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    any very powerful emotion, like great anger or excitement.

    a state of intense emotional excitement or an outburst of strong feeling, such as rage or joy.

    Simple

    He spoke with such passion that the audience was moved to tears.

    In context

    The debate was conducted with great passion, as both sides felt the environmental legislation would change their lives forever.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Formal Religion

    the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.

    the suffering of Jesus Christ during the period following the Last Supper until his crucifixion.

    Simple

    The choir performed a famous musical piece about the Passion of Christ.

    In context

    The cathedral features a series of stained-glass windows depicting various scenes from the Passion.

    Usage

    Usually capitalized as 'the Passion' when referring to the biblical event.


From Latin Passiō, a proper-noun use of passiō (“suffering”) (a sense of passion which is now obsolete or archaic in English).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin Passiō
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated