Passionate vs. Passion — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 26, 2024
Passionate is an adjective describing intense emotions or enthusiasm, while passion is a noun representing a strong interest or emotion.
Difference Between Passionate and Passion
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Passionate individuals often exhibit or express strong emotions or enthusiasm towards activities, interests, or people. These emotions can be positive or negative but are always intense. Passion, on the other hand, is the object of such intense emotions or enthusiasm. It refers to a strong, sometimes overpowering, interest, or inclination towards a specific activity, subject, or concept.
While passionate behaviors are manifestations of one's internal emotional state, passion itself can be seen as the root cause of these behaviors. Passion drives individuals to pursue their interests relentlessly, whereas being passionate is the visible expression of this drive.
Passion can exist without external manifestations, meaning a person can hold a passion quietly within themselves. Meanwhile, being passionate almost always involves an outward expression of one's internal feelings. This distinction highlights how passion can be a deeply personal experience, whereas being passionate is often observed by others.
In terms of impact, passionate actions or expressions can inspire or influence others due to their visible intensity. In contrast, passion can be a source of personal motivation and fulfillment, impacting an individual's choices and life direction without necessarily being visible to others.
While passions can be long-lasting and define significant parts of one's identity, passionate expressions can be fleeting, often varying in intensity based on circumstances or emotional states. This temporal difference underscores how passion is a stable, enduring interest or emotion, whereas being passionate can be a more temporary state of intense engagement or enthusiasm.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Noun
Definition
Describes intense emotions or enthusiasm
A strong, often overpowering interest or emotion
Expression
Visible and external
Internal and can be unexpressed
Duration
Can be temporary
Often enduring
Impact
Can influence others visibly
Drives personal motivation and choices
Compare with Definitions
Passionate
Having a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity.
He's passionate about playing the piano.
Passion
A strong feeling that causes you to act in a dangerous way.
His crimes were committed in a moment of passion.
Passionate
Marked by intense desire or attraction.
They shared a passionate love for each other.
Passion
A strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something.
Music has always been his passion.
Passionate
Easily aroused to or influenced by strong emotions.
She is passionate in her responses to injustice.
Passion
A strong romantic feeling for someone.
The novel captures the passion between the two characters vividly.
Passionate
Capable of, having, or dominated by powerful emotions.
She gave a passionate speech on human rights.
Passion
The object of someone's love, desire, or interest.
Traveling the world is her passion.
Passionate
Showing or caused by strong feelings or beliefs.
He is passionate about environmental conservation.
Passion
A powerful emotion or appetite.
He spoke with passion about preserving the rainforest.
Passionate
Having, showing, or caused by strong feelings or beliefs
He's passionate about football
Passionate pleas for help
Passion
Strong and barely controllable emotion
A man of impetuous passion
Passionate
Capable of, having, or dominated by powerful emotions
A family of passionate personalities.
Passion
Strong or powerful emotion
A crime of passion.
Passionate
Wrathful by temperament; choleric.
Passion
A powerful emotion, such as anger or joy
A spirit governed by intense passions.
Passionate
Showing or expressing strong emotion; ardent
A passionate speech against injustice.
Passion
The object of such desire or love
She became his passion.
Passionate
Arising from or marked by passion
A teacher who is passionate about her subject.
Passion
Boundless enthusiasm
His skills as a player don't quite match his passion for the game.
Passionate
Fired with intense feeling.
Passion
The object of such enthusiasm
Soccer is her passion.
Passionate
(obsolete) Suffering; sorrowful.
Passion
An abandoned display of emotion, especially of anger
He's been known to fly into a passion without warning.
Passionate
A passionate individual.
Passion
The sufferings of Jesus in the period following the Last Supper and including the Crucifixion, as related in the New Testament.
Passionate
(obsolete) To fill with passion, or with another given emotion.
Passion
A narrative, musical setting, or pictorial representation of Jesus's sufferings.
Passionate
(obsolete) To express with great emotion.
Passion
Martyrdom
The passion of Saint Margaret.
Passionate
Capable or susceptible of passion, or of different passions; easily moved, excited or agitated; specifically, easily moved to anger; irascible; quick-tempered; as, a passionate nature.
Homer's Achilles is haughty and passionate.
Passion
A true desire sustained or prolonged.
Passionate
Characterized by passion; expressing passion; ardent in feeling or desire; vehement; warm; as, a passionate friendship.
Passion
Any great, strong, powerful emotion, especially romantic love or extreme hate.
We share a passion for books.
Passionate
Suffering; sorrowful.
Passion
Fervor, determination.
Passionate
To affect with passion; to impassion.
Great pleasure, mixed with pitiful regard,The godly king and queen did passionate.
Passion
An object of passionate or romantic love or strong romantic interest.
It started as a hobby, but now my motorbike collection has become my passion.
Passionate
To express feelingly or sorrowfully.
Passion
The suffering of Jesus leading up to and during his crucifixion.
Passionate
Having or expressing strong emotions
Passion
A display, musical composition, or play meant to commemorate the suffering of Jesus.
Passion
(obsolete) Suffering or enduring of imposed or inflicted pain; any suffering or distress.
A cardiac passion
Passion
(obsolete) The state of being acted upon; subjection to an external agent or influence; a passive condition
Passion
(obsolete) The capacity of being affected by external agents; susceptibility of impressions from external agents.
Passion
(obsolete) An innate attribute, property, or quality of a thing.
[...] to obtain the knowledge of some passion of the circle.
Passion
(obsolete) Disorder of the mind; madness.
Passion
(obsolete) To suffer pain or sorrow; to experience a passion; to be extremely agitated.
Passion
(transitive) To give a passionate character to.
Passion
The state of being acted upon; subjection to an external agent or influence; a passive condition; - opposed to action.
A body at rest affords us no idea of any active power to move, and, when set in motion, it is rather a passion than an action in it.
Passion
Capacity of being affected by external agents; susceptibility of impressions from external agents.
Moldable and not moldable, scissible and not scissible, and many other passions of matter.
Passion
The state of the mind when it is powerfully acted upon and influenced by something external to itself; the state of any particular faculty which, under such conditions, becomes extremely sensitive or uncontrollably excited; any emotion or sentiment (specifically, love or anger) in a state of abnormal or controlling activity; an extreme or inordinate desire; also, the capacity or susceptibility of being so affected; as, to be in a passion; the passions of love, hate, jealously, wrath, ambition, avarice, fear, etc.; a passion for war, or for drink; an orator should have passion as well as rhetorical skill.
We also are men of like passions with you.
The nature of the human mind can not be sufficiently understood, without considering the affections and passions, or those modifications or actions of the mind consequent upon the apprehension of certain objects or events in which the mind generally conceives good or evil.
The term passion, and its adverb passionately, often express a very strong predilection for any pursuit, or object of taste - a kind of enthusiastic fondness for anything.
The bravery of his grief did put meInto a towering passion.
The ruling passion, be it what it will,The ruling passion conquers reason still.
Who walked in every path of human life,Felt every passion.
When statesmen are ruled by faction and interest, they can have no passion for the glory of their country.
Passion
Disorder of the mind; madness.
Passion
Passion week. See Passion week, below.
Passion
To give a passionate character to.
Passion
To suffer pain or sorrow; to experience a passion; to be extremely agitated.
Passion
Strong feeling or emotion
Passion
Intense passion or emotion
Passion
Something that is desired intensely;
His rage for fame destroyed him
Passion
An irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action
Passion
Any object of warm affection or devotion;
The theater was her first love
He has a passion for cock fighting
Passion
The suffering of Jesus at the crucifixion
Common Curiosities
Is passion always positive?
Passion can be positive or negative, depending on its object and the way it influences behavior.
Can passion exist without being passionate?
Yes, passion can exist as an internal interest or emotion without external manifestations of being passionate.
How does being passionate influence others?
Being passionate can inspire or influence others through visible intensity and enthusiasm.
What makes someone passionate?
Someone is considered passionate when they exhibit or express intense emotions or enthusiasm towards something.
Is passion necessary for love?
Passion can enhance romantic relationships, but love also involves commitment, understanding, and care.
Can passion change over time?
Yes, while passions can be enduring, they may evolve or change as individuals grow and have new experiences.
How does passion affect learning?
Passion can enhance learning by motivating individuals to engage deeply and persistently with the subject matter.
How do passions influence career choices?
Passions often guide individuals towards careers that align with their interests, leading to greater satisfaction and fulfillment.
Do you need to be passionate to be successful?
While being passionate can drive motivation and success, success can also come from discipline and consistent effort.
How can I find my passion?
Exploring different interests, reflecting on what excites you, and trying new things can help you discover your passion.
Can passion be developed?
Yes, passion can develop as you engage more deeply with interests and activities that resonate with you.
What is the difference between a hobby and a passion?
A hobby is an activity done for enjoyment, whereas a passion involves deeper emotional engagement and commitment.
Is being passionate always good?
While being passionate can drive positive actions, unchecked passion can also lead to obsession or negative outcomes.
Can one have multiple passions?
Yes, individuals can have multiple passions that reflect the breadth of their interests and values.
How does passion contribute to personal growth?
Pursuing passions encourages exploration, learning, and overcoming challenges, contributing to personal development.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
