What does impassionate mean?
Impassionate means intensely emotional, especially in the way a person speaks, argues, appeals, or performs. The word is often used for an impassioned speech, plea, defense, or debate: a presentation that conveys strong conviction and aims to move its audience. It is more specific than simply emotional and more literary or formal than ordinary terms such as excited or upset. In an impassioned performance, the speaker's voice, gestures, and language all communicate urgency and feeling. The word can be complimentary when it describes a sincere appeal to conscience, but it may also suggest rhetoric that is heated or forceful. An impassioned argument is not necessarily angry; it may arise from enthusiasm, urgency, compassion, or a deep commitment to a cause.
adjectiveExpressing or characterized by strong, intense emotion. An impassioned speech or appeal is delivered with great feeling and enthusiasm.
- Expressing strong, intense, or heated emotion, especially in speech, argument, or appeal.
"Her impassioned plea moved the audience to support the campaign."
"The lawyer delivered an impassioned defense of her client."
"The campaign's impassioned address inspired many people to volunteer."
An impassioned argument does not merely make a point—it tries to make you feel it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does impassionate come from?
Impassionate was formed in English with the prefix im-, meaning “into” or “upon,” and passion, from the Latin passio, a “suffering” or “feeling.” The adjective developed in the sense of “expressing strong feeling.” The same Latin root also produced words such as passion, passionate, compassion, and dispassionate.
Related word forms
How impassionate is actually used
Generally formal and often used to describe a forceful or emotionally charged speech, appeal, performance, or debate. It can suggest not only sincerity but also heightened, rhetorical intensity.
Easily confused with impassionate
Passionate is the more common general term for having strong feelings, while impassionate more often describes a speech, plea, or appeal delivered with intense emotion.