Meaning & Definition of word "Yearn"

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    Yearn

    /jɜrn/

    verb:

    • 1. to have a strong and earnest desire for something.
      • Example: He yearns for the days when life was simpler.
    • 2. to feel a deep, often bittersweet longing.
      • Example: She yearned for her childhood home after moving away.
    • 3. to have an intense longing or desire for something that is difficult to attain.
      • Example: Many yearn for peace and understanding in a divided world.
    • 4. to express a strong desire for someone or something.
      • Example: In his poetry, he often yearns for lost love.

    Etymology

    From Old English 'georn', meaning eager or desirous.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    yearn for:

    To deeply desire or long for something or someone.

    yearn to:

    To have a strong wish to do something.

    Related Words

    longing:

    A strong desire or yearning for something.

    desire:

    A strong feeling of wanting to have something.

    Slang Meanings of yearn

    Meaning: To miss someone intensely.

    Example Sentence: I totally yearn for the old days when we all hung out.

    Meaning: To really want something badly.

    Example Sentence: I yearn for a slice of that cake right now!