Meaning & Definition of word "Yearn"

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!