Yearning: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'yearning' to describe a strong, often melancholic longing for something, typically something distant or unattainable.

• She had a deep yearning to visit her childhood home

Use 'longing' to describe a persistent, often wistful longing for something typically out of reach or far away. It often has a sentimental or nostalgic feel.

• He felt a longing for the simple pleasures of his childhood

Use 'craving' when referring to an intense and urgent desire, often for something specific like food or a particular experience.

• He had a craving for chocolate cake late at night

Use 'desire' to refer to a strong feeling of wanting something or wishing for something to happen. It is a more neutral term and can be used in various contexts, including emotional, physical, or material wants.

• Her desire to succeed in her career was evident in everything she did

Use 'pining' to describe suffering a decline or wasting away from deeply felt longing or desire, primarily for someone you miss or love. It often has an element of sadness or heartache.

• She was pining for her lost love, and it showed in her eyes

It is used when expressing a deep, often melancholic longing for something, especially for something unattainable or lost.

• She felt a deep yearning for the days when she was a child.
• John's yearning for travel grew stronger every passing day.

This phrase is used when someone strongly wishes or wants something, typically involving deep emotional or physical yearning over time.

• She longs for the days when her family was all together.
• After years abroad, he longed for the sights and sounds of his homeland.

It is used when describing a strong and intense desire, often for something specific or tangible like food, attention, or a particular experience.

• After dieting for weeks, he craved a piece of chocolate cake.
• She craves adventure and new experiences.

This word is more versatile and can be used to indicate a strong feeling of wanting something or someone, often with a sense of purpose or intent.

• His desire to succeed motivated him to work hard.
• She has a strong desire to learn new languages.

This expression is often associated with mourning or deeply missing someone or something, usually with a sense of sadness or loss.

• Ever since she left, he has been pining for her.
• The old man pined for his youth.