Transmute suffering into joy
The word passion comes from the Latin root passio, meaning “suffering” or “enduring,” derived from the verb pati, which means “to suffer” or “to endure.” The term was first used in a religious context, particularly in Christianity, to describe the suffering and death of Christ, known as the “Passion of the Christ.”
Over time, the meaning of passion broadened beyond suffering to include intense emotion or fervor. By the late Middle Ages, it began to be associated with strong feelings or desires, including love, enthusiasm, or even anger.
Today, passion often refers to a powerful enthusiasm or dedication to a particular pursuit or interest, though its historical connection to suffering still lingers in phrases like “a passion for something,” implying a willingness to endure hardship for it.