Passionate vs. Passionately — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 23, 2024
"Passionate" describes a person's intense emotion or strong interest, while "passionately" modifies an action to show it's done with strong feelings or zeal.
Difference Between Passionate and Passionately
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Passionate" is an adjective used to describe someone who exhibits strong emotions or a deep interest in something, like a passionate artist. Whereas, "passionately" is an adverb that describes how an action is performed with great emotion, as in speaking passionately.
When you describe someone as passionate, you’re focusing on their enduring qualities or state, such as a passionate advocate for human rights. On the other hand, when someone acts passionately, it refers to the intensity of the specific actions they take, like arguing passionately.
In literature, a character might be described as passionate if they consistently show strong feelings across the story. Conversely, a specific speech or action might be described as done passionately, highlighting a moment of intense expression.
Job candidates might be described as passionate when their enthusiasm and interest in a field are evident, influencing their overall demeanor and engagement. Passionately, however, might be used to describe the way they discuss their projects or interests during an interview.
In sports, a coach might be called passionate if they are consistently intense and dedicated, affecting their coaching style. Whereas, a coach might speak passionately during a pre-game pep talk to inspire and energize the team.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Adverb
Usage
Describes a noun
Modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb
Connotation
Suggests a long-term trait or state
Indicates the manner of a specific action or moment
Example Usage
He is a passionate supporter.
He speaks passionately about his beliefs.
Function in Sentence
Attributes emotion or enthusiasm to a person or entity
Describes the intensity of the action being performed
Compare with Definitions
Passionate
Showing or caused by strong feelings or a strong belief.
Her passionate plea for justice resonated with many.
Passionately
With intense emotion or zeal.
He argued passionately against the proposed law.
Passionate
Capable of, affected by, or expressing intense feeling.
He's always been passionate about art.
Passionately
With ardor; fervently.
They worked passionately to meet the deadline.
Passionate
Easily aroused to or influenced by strong emotions.
He is passionate in his aversion to injustice.
Passionately
With great enthusiasm or desire.
She pursued her dreams passionately.
Passionate
Enthusiastic or eager.
She is passionate about helping others succeed.
Passionately
With strong affection or love.
They embraced passionately after being apart for a year.
Passionate
Sworn to by passion; fervid.
Their passionate love was obvious to all.
Passionately
In a way that shows strong feelings or beliefs.
She spoke passionately in defense of her views.
Passionate
Having, showing, or caused by strong feelings or beliefs
He's passionate about football
Passionate pleas for help
Passionately
In a way that shows strong feelings or beliefs
He argued passionately against war
Ruth was passionately interested in politics
Passionate
Capable of, having, or dominated by powerful emotions
A family of passionate personalities.
Passionately
Capable of, having, or dominated by powerful emotions
A family of passionate personalities.
Passionate
Wrathful by temperament; choleric.
Passionately
Wrathful by temperament; choleric.
Passionate
Showing or expressing strong emotion; ardent
A passionate speech against injustice.
Passionately
Showing or expressing strong emotion; ardent
A passionate speech against injustice.
Passionate
Arising from or marked by passion
A teacher who is passionate about her subject.
Passionately
Arising from or marked by passion
A teacher who is passionate about her subject.
Passionate
Fired with intense feeling.
Passionately
In a passionate manner.
Passionate
(obsolete) Suffering; sorrowful.
Passionately
In a passionate manner; with strong feeling; ardently.
Sorrow expresses itself . . . loudly and passionately.
Passionate
A passionate individual.
Passionately
Angrily; irascibly.
Passionate
(obsolete) To fill with passion, or with another given emotion.
Passionately
With passion;
She kissed him passionately
Passionate
(obsolete) To express with great emotion.
Passionately
In a stormy or violent manner
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.
Passionate
Characterized by passion; expressing passion; ardent in feeling or desire; vehement; warm; as, a passionate friendship.
Passionate
Suffering; sorrowful.
Passionate
To affect with passion; to impassion.
Great pleasure, mixed with pitiful regard,The godly king and queen did passionate.
Passionate
To express feelingly or sorrowfully.
Passionate
Having or expressing strong emotions
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to be passionate?
Being passionate means having or showing strong emotions and enthusiasm for something.
What are some synonyms for "passionately"?
Fervently, ardently, intensely, zealously.
Can "passionate" and "passionately" be used interchangeably?
No, "passionate" is an adjective describing a person or thing, while "passionately" is an adverb modifying how actions are performed.
Can a person be described as both passionate and acting passionately?
Yes, a person can be described as having passionate characteristics generally and also acting passionately in specific situations.
How does "passionate" affect the perception of a person?
It often leads to a positive perception, suggesting commitment and depth of feeling.
How do you use "passionately" in a sentence?
"Passionately" is used to describe how something is done with intense emotion or enthusiasm, e.g., "He argued passionately."
What are some synonyms for "passionate"?
Intense, fervent, ardent, enthusiastic.
What effect does using "passionately" have on describing actions?
It emphasizes the intensity and emotional depth of the actions.
Is "passionate" a positive description?
Yes, it generally carries a positive connotation, indicating deep interest and enthusiasm.
How can "passionately" impact communication?
Using "passionately" can enhance communication skills.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
