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Hankered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hankered

[ˈhæŋ.kɚd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

desire strongly

Hankered means to have a strong desire or craving for something. This term often implies an intense longing or yearning that may not be fulfilled. People use this word to express a wish or an emotional need that is particularly robust. It conveys a sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction due to this unfulfilled desire.

Synonyms

craved, desired, longed, yearned.

Examples of usage

  • She hankered for her hometown after years of living abroad.
  • He hankered to travel the world after reading adventure books.
  • After the long winter, they hankered for the warmth of the sun.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • In American literature, the term is often used to express deep emotional yearning, like in Mark Twain's works.
  • Hankering is a common theme in folk and blues songs, portraying desires for love, freedom, or home.

Psychology

  • The feeling of hankering can be linked to unmet needs, often correlating with motivations and personal aspirations.
  • Hankering can evoke both positive feelings (for goals) and negative feelings (for lost opportunities) in individuals.

Everyday Life

  • People often use 'hankering' colloquially to describe cravings for foods, like a specific flavor or dish they miss.
  • The term helps express not just casual wants but deeper emotional connections to experiences or memories.

Pop Culture

  • Hankering appears in various pop songs conveying intense longing, reflecting personal and relatable experiences.
  • Television shows often depict characters hankering for adventure or romance, highlighting common human desires.

Origin of 'hankered'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the late 19th century, with roots in the Middle Dutch word 'hancoren,' meaning to hang or cling to something.
  • Its development reflects a sense of longing, resembling how one might 'hang on' to thoughts or desires.

The term 'hankered' originates from the late 1800s in the United States, derived from the word 'hanker', which is believed to have Germanic roots. It reflects a strong desire or inclination towards something. The word has evolved over time, becoming more popular in American English, particularly in informal contexts. It is often associated with rural or colloquial speech, emphasizing a sort of nostalgic longing or craving. The usage of 'hanker' can be traced back to the Scots language, where it meant to have a strong desire, aligning closely with its current connotation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,799, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.