What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
aspire
Example
She aspires to become a successful entrepreneur. [aspire: verb]
Example
Aspiring actors often move to Hollywood to pursue their dreams. [aspiring: adjective]
yearn
Example
He yearns for the love and affection of his family. [yearn: verb]
Example
She felt a yearning for her childhood home as she looked at old photographs. [yearning: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Aspire is more commonly used than yearn in everyday language, especially in professional or academic contexts. Aspire is a versatile word that can be used in various situations, while yearn has a slightly more poetic and emotional connotation, making it less common in everyday conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between aspire and yearn?
While aspire is generally considered more formal and commonly used in professional or academic settings, yearn has a slightly more informal and poetic connotation. Yearn is often used in more personal or expressive contexts, such as literature or art.