What does "passionate" mean?

1. (enthusiastic) having or showing very strong feelings of enthusiasm or belief. 2. (romantic/sexual) showing strong feelings of love or sexual attraction.

How do you use "passionate"?

Often followed by the preposition 'about'.

passionate

US //ˈpæʃənət// UK //pˈæʃənət// pas·sion·ate

1 enthusiastic (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

having or showing very strong feelings of enthusiasm or belief.

characterised by intense emotion or strong belief in a particular cause, hobby, or principle.

Example

She is a passionate gardener who spends every weekend working in her backyard.

Example

The candidate delivered a passionate speech about environmental protection, hoping to inspire the younger generation of voters.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'about'.
- indifferent
- apathetic
2 romantic/sexual (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

showing strong feelings of love or sexual attraction.

expressing or relating to strong sexual desire or romantic love.

Example

The movie ends with a passionate kiss on the balcony.

Example

Their passionate relationship was often volatile, marked by intense arguments followed by equally intense reconciliations.
- cold
- frigid

Etymology 1

From Middle English passionat, from Medieval Latin passiōnātus (“affected, impassioned, libidinous, easely angered”). Equivalent to passion + -ate (adjective-forming suffix). Compare French passionné.

Etymology 2

From passion + -ate (verb-forming suffix). Cognate with French passionner.