What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
craving
Example
I have a craving for chocolate cake. [craving: noun]
Example
She was craving attention from her partner. [craving: gerund or present participle]
longing
Example
He felt a longing for his childhood home. [longing: noun]
Example
She was longing to see her family again. [longing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Craving is more commonly used in everyday language than longing. Craving is often used to describe a strong desire for food or other physical pleasures, while longing is more often associated with emotional or nostalgic desires.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between craving and longing?
Both craving and longing are relatively informal words, but longing may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with romantic or poetic language.
