Passion is a noun with several related but distinct meanings. It can mean strong liking or devotionstrong dedication and loyalty to a person, cause, or activity, intensevery strong in degree or feeling; not mild emotion, deep desire, or a powerful driving force behind a belief or action. In Christian usage, it can also refer to the suffering of Jesus before the crucifixionthe killing of Jesus by fastening him to a cross.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈpæʃən/
Easy pronunciation: PASSH-ən (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable.
Primary sense: a strong enthusiasm or love for something.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Passion Meaning
a strong enthusiasm or love for something
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a very strong liking or devotion to something
Example: She has a passion for music.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- love — Works when passion means strong devotion or enthusiasm for something.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Passion
Meaning 2
intense feeling
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a strong feeling or emotion
Example: The speech was delivered with great passion.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- passionateness — A close but less common noun form referring to intensity of feeling.
Meaning 3
a very strong desire for something
Part of speech: noun
Definition: something that is desired intensely
Example: Winning the championship became his passion.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- mania — Can fit when the meaning is an overpowering desire, though it is often more extreme.
Meaning 4
the suffering of Jesus before his death
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the suffering of Jesus at the Crucifixion
Example: The choir sang a piece about the Passion.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- passion of christ — This is the fixed religious term for this sense.
Meaning 5
having strong emotions
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the trait of being intensely emotional
Example: Her voice had warmth and passion.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- heat — Can suggest emotional intensity, but it is not a direct everyday substitute.
- warmth — Can suggest emotional warmth, but it does not fully cover the sense of passion.
Meaning 6
a powerful urge that is hard to resist
Part of speech: noun
Definition: an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action
Example: His passion for collecting old maps took over his free time.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- cacoethes — Rare and specialized; can match an irresistible urge.
- mania — Can fit an intense compulsion, but it often sounds more extreme or clinical.
Meaning 7
strong sexual desire
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a feeling of strong sexual desire
Example: The novel explores love and sexual passion.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Passion Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- love
a strong feeling or emotion
- passionateness
something desired intensely
- mania
the suffering of Jesus at the Crucifixion
- passion of christ
the trait of being intensely emotional
- heat
- warmth
an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action
- cacoethes
- mania
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Do not confuse passion as enthusiasm or devotion with passion as sexual desire.
- Do not use passion of Christ for ordinary enthusiasm or emotion.
- Heat and warmth can suggest emotional tone, but they are not exact synonyms for passion in everyday English.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does passion mean in everyday English?
In everyday English, passion usually means a strong enthusiasm or devotion to something, or very intense feeling.
What are the best synonyms for passion?
For the most common meaning, the closest synonym is love. Depending on the sense, words like warmth, mania, or passionateness may work in more limited contexts.
Is passion always about romance or sex?
No. Passion can mean strong interest, intense feeling, or a powerful urge. It can also refer to sexual desire in some contexts.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.