passionately
gb/pˈæʃənɪtli/ us/pˈæʃənɪtli/
B2
English
~ 6200
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
with very strong emotion or belief
In a way that shows very strong feeling or belief about something.
Usage pattern:
to [verb] passionately about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "passionately" with "patiently" or "politely" because they look similar. "Passionately" always involves strong emotion or feeling, not quiet or polite behavior. It can describe positive support ("passionately for") or strong opposition ("passionately against").
Synonyms
intensely (Focuses on the strength or degree, not only on emotion.)
|
fervently (Slightly more formal or literary; often used for beliefs, hopes, or prayers.)
|
ardently (Formal and literary; suggests deep, long-lasting enthusiasm or support.)
Antonyms
calmly (Suggests doing something without strong emotion or excitement.)
|
indifferently (Emphasizes a lack of interest or care, the opposite of strong feeling.)
Collocations
speak passionately
|argue passionately
|believe passionately
|care passionately about
|campaign passionately for
|defend passionately
Themes
emotions
|communication
|opinions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She spoke passionately about protecting the environment.
- The senator argued passionately for healthcare reform.
- He believes passionately that education can change lives.
- They campaigned passionately for equal rights in their community.
- The author writes passionately about social justice issues.
Learner examples
- The teacher talks passionately about history.
- He feels passionately that this rule is not fair.
- Many people work passionately to help sick animals.
- She defends her friends passionately when someone is unkind.
- They care passionately about their local football team.
adverb
C1
property
2
with strong romantic or sexual feeling
In a way that shows very strong love or sexual desire for someone.
Usage pattern:
to [verb] [someone] passionately
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "passionately" in romantic or sexual contexts without realizing it can sound quite strong or intimate. In formal or professional situations, it is safer to use words like "deeply" or "strongly" for non-physical feelings (e.g., "deeply in love" rather than "passionately in love" in some contexts).
Synonyms
sexually (Focuses directly on sexual activity; more explicit and less emotional than "passionately".)
Antonyms
coldly (Suggests showing little or no warmth, love, or desire.)
|
distantly (Emphasizes emotional or physical distance, not closeness or desire.)
Collocations
kiss passionately
|make love passionately
|love someone passionately
|embrace passionately
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They kissed passionately in the rain.
- He held her passionately, as if he never wanted to let go.
- In the movie, the couple fall passionately in love despite their families' objections.
- The characters make love passionately in the final scene.
- She writes about her youth and the man she loved passionately but could not marry.
Learner examples
- The two lovers hug passionately.
- In the story, the man loves the woman passionately.
- The actor kisses his partner passionately on stage.
- They look at each other passionately before they kiss.
- She remembers the man who loved her passionately when she was young.
Grammar
Dictionary form
passionately
IPA
GB/pˈæʃənɪtli/
US/pˈæʃənɪtli/
Syllables & stress
pas - sion - ately (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pas)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: passionately
- Plural: passionatelies
Word family
Forms
passionatelies
noun
Core family
passion
noun B1
passionate
adjective B1
Negative and opposite forms
dispassionate
adjective
dispassionately
adverb
Advanced or less common
impassioned
adjective
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.