Yearn for Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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yearn for

[jɜːrn fɔːr ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

longing

to have a strong desire for something, especially something that you cannot have

Synonyms

crave, desire, pine for.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
yearn for	Yearn for is used when someone has a deep, strong longing for something, often something that is difficult or impossible to obtain. It implies a sense of sadness or sorrow because of the unfulfilled desire. She yearned for her homeland, longing to return to her family and familiar surroundings. After months of separation, he yearned for the touch of his lover.
crave	Crave is used for intense, insistent desires, often related to physical needs or strong emotions. It implies a very urgent need or strong wish, sometimes with an addictive quality. Pregnant women often crave unusual foods like pickles with ice cream. After his long workout, he craved a cold drink.
desire	Desire can refer to a strong feeling of wanting something or someone. It can range from deep, emotional wants to more everyday wishes and is usually more neutral compared to 'yearn for' and 'crave'. He had a strong desire to succeed in his career. She expressed a desire to travel the world after graduation.
pine for	Pine for is used to describe a deep emotional longing, often related to missing someone or something distant or lost. It carries a tone of melancholy and wistfulness. He continued to pine for his high school sweetheart, years after they had parted. The dog sat by the door, pining for its absent owner.

Examples of usage

She yearned for a sense of belonging in the new city.
He yearned for her love, but she never reciprocated.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

yearning

to feel a deep or earnest longing for something

Synonyms

crave, hanker after, long for.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
yearn for	Used to express a deep, often sorrowful longing for something, usually over a longer period. She yearned for the days when her children were small He yearned for acceptance within the group
long for	Expresses a strong, prolonged desire for something, typically something not easily attainable. She longed for the warmth of the summer sun He longed for the comfort of home
hanker after	Often used in a nostalgic sense, to express a longing for something nostalgic or out of reach. He hankered after the simple life of his childhood They hankered after freedom they once had
crave	Usually describes a strong desire for something specific, often related to food or an addictive substance. I've been craving chocolate all day She craved attention from her peers

Examples of usage

The young artist yearned for recognition of her talent.
She yearned for a peaceful and fulfilling life.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

According to psychologists, yearning can be connected to love and attachment, making it a key emotion for forming relationships.
Research shows that when people yearn for something, it often reflects their unmet needs, highlighting the emotional aspect of longing.
Yearning can trigger motivation, pushing individuals to obtain the objects of their desires, whether physical or emotional.

Literature

Many poets have explored themes of yearning, often expressing feelings of nostalgia or unfulfilled desires in their works.
In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', the passionate yearning of the lovers drives the tragic narrative and their devotion.
Famous novels, like 'The Great Gatsby', narrate the yearning for unattainable dreams, showcasing the complexity of desire.

Pop Culture

The song 'Yearn' by the artist Tinashe captures deep emotional longing and desire for connection.
In film, characters often yearn for lost love or opportunities, adding depth to their development – like in 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'.
Television shows frequently depict characters yearning for their past, highlighting how such desires shape their present circumstances.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard discussed yearning in the context of existential dissatisfaction, arguing that it reflects human awareness of incompleteness.
In Eastern philosophies, yearning can lead to enlightenment by making individuals seek deeper truths about their existence.
The concept of yearning is often tied to the human condition, illustrating the tension between desire and fulfillment throughout history.

Origin of 'yearn for'

Main points about word origin

The term derives from the Old English word 'geornian', which meant 'to crave' or 'desire'.
In Middle English, 'yern' was used to express longing or deep desire, evolving into 'yearn' we know today.
Related words like 'earnest' and 'yearn' share the same root, connecting them to deep sincerity and desire.

The word 'yearn' originated from the Old English word 'gierwan', meaning 'to desire'. Over time, it evolved to 'yernen' in Middle English, with a similar meaning of 'to long for'. The current form 'yearn' has been in use since the 14th century, maintaining its essence of expressing a strong desire or longing for something.