Definition of passionate

The word "passionate" originated in the 14th century from the Latin word "patiō," which means "suffer." In medieval times, "passion" referred to the suffering and agony of Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. As the usage of the word evolved over time, it began to take on a broader meaning that included strong emotions and intense feelings. In the 16th century, the term "passionate" came to describe individuals who were consumed by intense emotions, particularly romantic love. This meaning can be seen in Shakespeare's plays, where characters are described as "passionate" in their love for another person. Today, the word "passionate" is used to describe a multitude of feelings and emotions, from love and romance to artistic expression and athletic competition. It still carries quite a bit of the original Latin meaning, but it has broadened to include descriptors like enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment. In short, the word "passionate" has a rich and fascinating history, evolving from its origins as a term to describe the suffering of Christ into a word that signifies strong emotions across a broad spectrum of human experience.