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passion

noun
pas·​sion | \ ˈpa-shÉ™n How to pronounce passion (audio) \

Definition of passion

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 matter— Francis Bacon
4a(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 poet— W. B. Yeats
c : an outbreak of anger a crime of passion
5a : 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
Other Words from passion Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about passion

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Other Words from passion

passionless \ ˈpa-​shÉ™n-​lÉ™s How to pronounce passionless (audio) \ 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. was a slave 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
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Recent Examples on the Web

 On the roof of an apartment building one recent overcast morning, Hawk discussed her passion for photography, urban planning and sustainability. — Cortlynn Stark, Washington Post, "As demand for solar energy grows, D.C. job training offers both employment and community results," 30 Aug. 2019 And every year, Van Deventer, feeding his passion for traveling, took his entire family on vacation — everywhere from Mexico to the Dominican Republic. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Former National City Councilman Jess Van Deventer dies at 81," 28 Aug. 2019 Harth-Bedoya took his current position in 2000, bringing his passion for music and incorporating the sounds of Latin America. — Carmina Tiscareño, Dallas News, "Harth-Bedoya set to open final season at the helm of Fort Worth symphony," 28 Aug. 2019 Later, a stint teaching mindful movement to high schoolers in Brooklyn through the non-profit Bent On Learning sparked her passion for bringing yoga practices to more people. — Ryan Walker-hartshorn, Bon Appétit, "Sinikiwe Dhliwayo Wants Everyone to Chill Out in Triangle Pose," 27 Aug. 2019 The new location will provide a great opportunity to not only serve them, but also partner with International Speedway Corporation, a company that shares our passion for giving back to the community. — Austin Fuller, orlandosentinel.com, "4 Rivers coming to One Daytona near Daytona International Speedway," 26 Aug. 2019 His passion for the game and desire to contribute in any capacity the Giants needed made Sandoval a fan favorite in San Francisco. — Kerry Crowley, The Mercury News, "What’s next for Pablo Sandoval and the San Francisco Giants?," 24 Aug. 2019 Warriors guard Stephen Curry found a fresh, benevolent outlet for his abundant passion for golf. — Ron Kroichick, SFChronicle.com, "Warriors’ Stephen Curry funds new golf programs at Howard University," 19 Aug. 2019 While teaching children about the importance of reading and thinking critically, Franchina said her passion for learning and helping others was solidified. — Pomerado News, "Girl Scout earns Gold Award while promoting literacy," 16 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'passion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of passion

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

History and Etymology for passion

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

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More Definitions for passion

passion

noun
How to pronounce passion (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of passion

: a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something
: a strong feeling (such as anger) that causes you to act in a dangerous way
: a strong sexual or romantic feeling for someone

See the full definition for passion in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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