What does impassioned mean?
Impassioned describes someone or something animated by strong emotion. It is especially common in reference to speeches, debates, appeals, and arguments, where it suggests forceful expression and intense conviction rather than a lack of restraint. The adjective conveys more emphasis than similar terms such as passionate and is often associated with formal, literary, or rhetorical contexts. An impassioned speech may be moving and sincere, although the word can also imply heated, theatrical, or emotionally charged delivery. Impassioned is useful when describing language that seeks to arouse feeling as well as communicate ideas. It can apply to people, such as an impassioned advocate, or to expressions, performances, and disputes. In less elevated contexts, impassioned may sound slightly dramatic, but it remains natural in journalism, criticism, and public speaking.
adjectiveExpressing or characterized by strong, intense emotion; passionately enthusiastic or forceful.
- Expressing or characterized by strong, intense emotion; passionately enthusiastic or forceful.
"Her impassioned plea persuaded the committee to reconsider the proposal."
"The speaker delivered an impassioned defense of freedom of expression."
"The debate became increasingly impassioned as the candidates traded accusations."
Impassioned literally means “filled with passion,” giving force to the word’s emotionally charged sense.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does impassioned come from?
Impassioned was borrowed in the early 17th century from French, where impassionné means “filled with passion.” Its ultimate source is Latin, in which passionem is an accusative form of passio, a cognate of English passion. The English adjective developed alongside related forms such as passion and passionate, all connected with the Latin sense of feeling, suffering, and strongly expressed emotion.
Related word forms
How impassioned is actually used
The word is chiefly formal or literary and often describes speeches, arguments, appeals, and other forms of expression that convey intense feeling.
Easily confused with impassioned
Impassioned is the standard modern spelling, while impassioned is a less common variant with the same meaning.