What does passion mean?
Passion is a noun that usually describes an intense feeling of love, enthusiasm, excitement, or commitment. In ordinary use, it often means a powerful devotion to a person, cause, or activity: someone might have a passion for music, football, or humanitarian work. The word can also describe raw or overwhelming emotion, sexual desire, and a consuming fascination that borders on obsession. These meanings share an emphasis on intensity rather than calm, and they can carry different emotional tones. Passion sounds approving when it means dedication or creative fire, but less approving when it suggests jealousy, uncontrolled appetite, or fanaticism. The noun is common in both British and American English and is frequently used in education, work, sport, art, and conversation. Because it links emotion with action and commitment, passion is especially useful for describing how a belief or desire changes what people do.
nounAn intense feeling of love, enthusiasm, or excitement, especially a strong devotion to an activity, cause, or person. It can also mean sexual desire, an overwhelming emotion, or an interest pursued with consuming or obsessive energy.
- Strong enthusiasm, devotion, or commitment, especially toward a person, cause, or activity.
- An intense or overwhelming emotion.
- Sexual desire or attraction.
- A consuming fascination with, or strongly favored pursuit of, something.
"Her passion for restoring neglected buildings inspired an entire career in historic preservation."
"She developed a passion for oral history while recording interviews with elderly residents."
"The actor's raw passion for the role gave the performance an urgent emotional force."
The plural is used for several strong interests or devotions and, in more literary contexts, for intense emotions collectively.
"Her early passions were astronomy, sailing, and classical music."
Its Latin ancestor meant both suffering and feeling: passion has transformed one of humanity's most painful experiences into a symbol of love, creativity, and dedication.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of passion
The English word entered Middle English from French passion, a borrowing of Latin passio, meaning “suffering” or “feeling,” from pati, “to suffer” or “endure.” Its English senses developed from suffering and pity toward the strong emotions, desires, and devotions associated with enthusiasm. The same Latin root produced related forms such as patient, patience, passive, and compatible.
Related word forms
How passion is actually used
Passion is usually approving when it denotes dedication, enthusiasm, or creative commitment, but can be negative or problematic when it suggests jealousy, uncontrolled desire, or fanaticism. Its usage differs little between British and American English.
Easily confused with passion
Passion is an intense feeling of enthusiasm, desire, or devotion, whereas compassion is sympathy or care for someone who is suffering.