Yearning

/ˈjɜːrnɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A deep longing or desire, often for something that is unattainable.

Her yearning for adventure led her to travel to distant lands.

An intense emotional state of wanting something, often accompanied by sadness.

He felt a yearning for home after being away for so long.

verb

To have a strong and persistent desire for something.

She yearned to be able to express her feelings freely.

To feel a deep longing or wistfulness.

He yearned for the simpler times of his childhood.

From Middle English 'yernyng', from the verb 'yearn'.

yearning heart

A heart filled with longing.

yearn for something

To have a strong desire for something.

yearning glance

A look that expresses deep longing.

longing

A strong, persistent desire or craving for something.

wistful

Having a feeling of vague or regretful longing.

A major craving for someone or something.

After the breakup, he was in a constant state of yearning for her.

An intense desire that is hard to shake off.

She had this yearning vibe about her that was hard to ignore.