Longingly: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is looking at or thinking about something they deeply desire but cannot have at the moment. It often conveys a sense of deep emotion and sometimes sadness.

• She gazed longingly at the old photographs, remembering the good times.
• He looked longingly at the dessert menu, trying hard to stick to his diet.

Used to express a deep, intense longing for something, with a strong emotional component. It often suggests an ongoing, persistent desire.

• She looked yearningly at the travel brochures, dreaming of an overseas adventure.
• He spoke yearningly of his desire to see his family again soon.

Used when someone is thinking about something they want or miss, with a gentle sadness or nostalgia. It often involves reflecting on something that is gone or unattainable.

• He smiled wistfully, remembering the carefree days of his youth.
• She spoke wistfully about her time living in Italy, wishing she could go back.

Used to describe a strong, almost overwhelming desire, often for something related to immediate pleasure or satisfaction, like food or an addictive habit.

• After a long day at work, he stared cravingly at the pizza on the kitchen table.
• She looked cravingly at the chocolate bar, unable to resist any longer.

Used when expressing a strong desire or wish for something, often with an emotional or sentimental tone. It's commonly applied to describe a deep, often unspoken, yearning.

• She looked longingly at the photo of her childhood home.
• He gazed longingly at the couple, wishing he had someone to share his life with.

Appropriate for expressing a deep, often melancholic desire for something difficult or impossible to obtain. It carries a sense of longing with a hint of sorrow.

• He stared yearningly at the distant mountains, wishing he could escape to their serene beauty.
• She sighed yearningly as she watched the sunset, longing for the peace it seemed to promise.

Used when one is feeling a nostalgic or regretful longing, often reflecting on the past with a mix of sadness and desire. It's especially suitable for memories and thoughts of what could have been.

• He looked wistfully at his old school, remembering the carefree days of youth.
• She smiled wistfully, thinking about her childhood summers at the beach.

Best applied in situations where there is an intense and urgent need or hunger for something, usually associated with food, addiction, or strong desires.

• She spoke cravingly about the chocolate cake, unable to resist its temptation.
• After a long workout, he reached cravingly for a bottle of water.