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Yearn: meaning, definitions and examples

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yearn

 

[ jɜːrn ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

to feel a strong desire or longing

Yearn is used to describe a deep, intense desire for something. It often conveys a sense of longing or craving for a particular object, person, or experience. This word is commonly used in romantic contexts to express a strong emotional attachment or yearning for a loved one.

Synonyms

crave, desire, long.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
yearn

Often used when talking about a deep, almost painful longing for something, often that is unattainable or distant.

  • She yearned for the days of her childhood.
  • He yearned to see his family again.
long

Typically used to express a strong, enduring wish for something that might be distant in time or space.

  • I long to be home again.
  • She longed for the quiet of the countryside.
crave

Generally used when referring to an intense, often physical, appetite or need for something.

  • I crave chocolate whenever I'm stressed.
  • She craved attention and would do anything to get it.
desire

A more neutral term that can be used in formal contexts to express a strong wanting for something or someone.

  • He has a desire to travel the world.
  • She expressed her desire to learn a new language.

Examples of usage

  • I yearn for your love every moment we're apart.
  • She yearned for adventure and excitement in her life.
  • He yearns to travel the world and experience new cultures.
  • They yearn for a sense of belonging and community.
  • We yearn for a better future for ourselves and our children.

Translations

Translations of the word "yearn" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ansiar

🇮🇳 लालायित होना

🇩🇪 sich sehnen

🇮🇩 merindukan

🇺🇦 тужити

🇵🇱 tęsknić

🇯🇵 憧れる (akogareru)

🇫🇷 désirer ardemment

🇪🇸 anhelar

🇹🇷 özlemek

🇰🇷 갈망하다 (galmanghada)

🇸🇦 يتوق

🇨🇿 toužit

🇸🇰 túžiť

🇨🇳 渴望 (kěwàng)

🇸🇮 hrepeneti

🇮🇸 þrá

🇰🇿 құштарлану

🇬🇪 მონდომება

🇦🇿 arzulamaq

🇲🇽 anhelar

Etymology

The word 'yearn' originated from the Old English word 'gearnian', which means 'to desire eagerly, to long for'. The sense of intense desire and longing has been associated with this word since its early usage in the English language. Over time, 'yearn' has retained its original meaning of expressing a deep emotional longing or craving for something. It continues to be a powerful word used to convey strong feelings of desire and yearning.

See also: year, yearbook, yearly, yearned, yearning, years.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,514, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.