mindmap root((热情)) passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable: developed a ~ for reading. fervor implies a warm and steady emotion: read the poem aloud with great ~. ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived: the ~ of their honeymoon soon faded. enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal or cause or activity: never showed much ~ for sports. zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause: preached with the ~ of the converted.