WordGarden.ioyearn
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /jˈɜːn/
US
- /ˈjɜrn/
Meanings
Verb
to feel a deep, often wistful longing for someone or something
Beyond the definition
To yearn is to feel a deep, almost painful desire for something - a person, a place, or even a feeling. It is more than just wanting; it is a strong and lasting wish that can feel a little sad because what you want is far away or hard to reach. Think of sailors longing for home after months at sea, or someone missing the carefree days of childhood. You might yearn for something specific, like a lost love, or yearn to experience something new and meaningful. The word often carries both sadness and hope.
The word "yearn" describes a deep and poignant longing - an intense desire for something that feels just out of reach. It is not a simple wish; it is a powerful emotional state, often touched by sadness and nostalgia. Imagine an exile yearning for their homeland, or a musician yearning to create the perfect song.
The origins of "yearn" are ancient, stemming from Old English words related to eagerness and longing. It suggests a feeling that goes beyond mere wanting; it is a deep ache in the heart. You can yearn for something tangible - like "She yearned for her mother's embrace" - or for something more abstract - like "He yearned for peace of mind."
Sometimes, yearning is directed towards the past: "I often yearn for those summer evenings we spent by the lake." Other times it's a hope for the future: "They yearned to travel the world and experience different cultures." It can even be used to describe an animal's instinctual desire: "The dog yearned to run free in the open field."
Unlike simply wanting something, yearning implies a sense of incompleteness without it. It is a powerful emotion that fuels dreams, inspires creativity, and reminds us of what truly matters. So when you feel that deep ache for something more, that is the feeling of yearning - a bittersweet melody playing in your soul.
Examples
- 1
Homesickness
After a year overseas, he began to yearn for home.
- 2
Peace and quiet
She was tired of the noise and yearned for a quiet weekend in the countryside.
- 3
Family time
Many parents yearn to spend more time with their children.
- 4
Simpler life
Even after he became successful, he still yearned for a simpler life.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Nostalgia
In difficult times, people often yearn for the good old days.
- Phrasethe good old days
an earlier time that people remember as better
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- yearnverb
Forms
- yearning-ing formverb
- yearnsverb
- yearnedpast tenseverb