Yearned: meaning, definitions and examples

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yearned

[ ˈjərn(d) ]

Verb

^{Context #1 | Verb}

longed for something

To have an intense feeling of longing for something, typically something that one has lost or been separated from. It involves a deep desire and yearning that is often accompanied by emotional pain.

Synonyms

craved, desired, longed, pined.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
yearned	Used to express a strong, deep longing for something that is often out of reach or unattainable. She yearned for the days when she lived by the sea He yearned to see his family again after years of separation
longed	Used to describe an emotional and often painful yearning for something or someone, usually with a sense of nostalgia or regret. He longed for his childhood home She longed to hear his voice once more
craved	Best used when describing an intense, almost physical desire, often for something tangible, like food or a particular experience. She craved chocolate during her pregnancy He craved adventure and excitement in his life
desired	Appropriate for expressing a strong wish or aspiration, often for something one believes will bring satisfaction or improve one's life. They desired a better life for their children She desired to travel the world someday
pined	Typically used to express a suffering or wasting away due to a strong, typically unfulfilled desire, often with a melancholic tone. She pined for her lost love He pined away in his loneliness and despair

Examples of usage

I yearned for the comfort of home while I was traveling.
She yearned for the days when her children were still young.
He yearned to be reunited with his lost love.

Translations

Translations of the word "yearned" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ansiar

🇮🇳 लालायित

🇩🇪 sich sehnen

🇮🇩 merindukan

🇺🇦 тужити

🇵🇱 tęsknić

🇯🇵 切望する

🇫🇷 désirer ardemment

🇪🇸 anhelar

🇹🇷 özlemek

🇰🇷 갈망하다

🇸🇦 توق

🇨🇿 toužit

🇸🇰 túžiť

🇨🇳 渴望

🇸🇮 hrepeneti

🇮🇸 þrá

🇰🇿 сағыну

🇬🇪 მოწყურება

🇦🇿 arzulamaq

🇲🇽 anhelar

Etymology

The word 'yearned' originated from the Old English word 'geornian', which means 'to desire eagerly, to be desirous of'. Over time, the meaning evolved to convey a deep sense of longing or craving for something. This word has been used in English literature for centuries to express intense emotions of desire and yearning.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,450, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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20447 preterm
20448 craze
20449 swamped
20450 yearned
20451 lithography
20452 bun
20453 trustworthiness
...