passion

noun

pas·​sion ˈpa-shən How to pronounce passion (audio)
plural passions
1
often capitalized
a
: the sufferings of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death
b
: an oratorio based on a gospel narrative of the Passion
Bach's St. Matthew Passion
2
obsolete : suffering
3
: the state or capacity of being acted on by external agents or forces
moldable and not moldable … and many other passions of matterFrancis Bacon
4
a(1)
: emotion
his ruling passion is greed
(2)
passions plural : the emotions as distinguished from reason
a study of the passions
b
: intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction
with enough passion to make a great poetW. B. Yeats
c
: an outbreak of anger
a crime of passion
5
a
: ardent affection : love
He had never felt such passion for any woman but her.
b
: a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept
a passion for chess
a passion for opera
c
: sexual desire
a look of passion in her face
d
: an object of desire or deep interest
passionless adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for passion

passion, fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, zeal mean intense emotion compelling action.

passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

gave in to his passions

fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause.

preaches with fanatical zeal

synonyms see in addition feeling

Examples of passion in a Sentence

If anyone had asked me what my passions were, I would have said building fires, climbing cliffs, going on long hikes in the woods … Paul Theroux, Newsweek, 6 Aug. 2001
The gods themselves had passions and frailties—these are the stuff of the myths. James Salter, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 1997
The skin is dry and as chaste and beautiful as old paper. But I remember the passion inspired by those fingers, their gifted, sly, infinitely provocative caresses and gestures. Richard Selzer, Discover, February 1994
Polo was the Khan's passion. He cared for little else, and when his armies moved, he moved with them, because he couldn't stand to be without the game. Hunter S. Thompson, Rolling Stone, 15 Dec. 1994
Everyone could see the passion in his approach to the work. a controversy that has stirred passions in Congress Her performance is full of passion and originality. She spoke with passion about preserving the building. The crime was committed in a fit of passion. Music has always been his passion. She developed a passion for opera. a student with a passion for literature
Recent Examples on the Web And Questlove, of course, approaches it with not only the encyclopedic fluency and passion of an obsessive fan but also the expertise and originality of an innovative participant. Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 7 Mar. 2024 As an archivist and record collector, Mittal has a deep understanding and passion for South Asian music of the past. Vrinda Jagota, SPIN, 7 Mar. 2024 Having extensive comedy knowledge and endless passion certainly will get you far within the industry, but adding in a little kindness might get you even farther. Ali Lerman, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Ophelia’s narrative begins with the blossoming of a secret romance with Hamlet, filled with promise and youthful passion. David Catlin, The Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2024 Social media has spotlighted a wave of female guitarists, showcasing their talent and passion for the instrument. Vladimir Duthiers, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2024 In turn, his friends and supporters took to social media to thank Jason for his years of hard work and passion on and off the football field. Natasha Dye, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 As Jason Kelce announced his retirement from the Philadelphia Eagles, his brother Travis Kelce watched and even shed a few tears, moved by Jason’s passion for the game. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 4 Mar. 2024 Vivian Allen and Andrew Allen always supported Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad’s passion for the performing arts Actors Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad discovered their love of the performing arts while growing up in Houston with their parents, Vivian and Andrew Allen. Ilana Frost, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'passion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin passion-, passio suffering, being acted upon, from Latin pati to suffer — more at patient

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of passion was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near passion

Cite this Entry

“Passion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

passion

noun
pas·​sion ˈpash-ən How to pronounce passion (audio)
1
often capitalized : the sufferings of Jesus between the night of the Last Supper and his death
2
a
plural : the emotions in general
b
: strong feeling or emotion
3
a
: great affection : love
b
: a strong liking
c
: an object of desire or deep interest

Legal Definition

passion

noun
pas·​sion ˈpa-shən How to pronounce passion (audio)
: intense, driving, or overpowering feeling or emotion
especially : any violent or intense emotion that prevents reflection see also heat of passion

More from Merriam-Webster on passion

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