Hankering Meaning: Definition and Examples
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hankering
han-ker-ing
Definition
strong desire
A hankering is a deep, persistent longing or craving for something, often something that is unattainable or out of reach. It can refer to a desire for food, experiences, or even relationships. This term conveys a sense of yearning that is more profound than just a simple want. People often experience a hankering for nostalgic moments or things they cannot have anymore. The term is frequently used in informal contexts.
Synonyms
craving, desire, longing, yearning.
Examples of usage
- She had a hankering for chocolate cake.
- After the long trip, he felt a hankering for home.
- He developed a hankering to travel the world again.
Quick facts about “hankering”
Hankering is a 3-syllable noun (han-ker-ing). It is pronounced /ˈhæŋkɝɪŋ/ in American English and /hˈæŋkəɹɪŋ/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning and 4 synonyms. It ranks #29,046 among the most common English words.
Origin of 'hankering'
The word 'hankering' originates from the late 18th century, derived from the verb 'hanker,' which is believed to be a variant of the dialectal term 'hank,' meaning to have a strong desire. The term appears in both American and British English, reflecting a common human experience of longing or craving. The usage of 'hanker' can be traced back to the 17th century in various dialects of English, particularly in the context of having a strong wish for something. The evolution of the term has allowed it to morph into its contemporary usage, where it captures the essence of human desire and emotional craving in a nuanced manner. The idea conveyed by 'hankering' is often imbued with nostalgia or an unfulfilled aspiration, making it a popular term in literature and everyday speech.