What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
desire
Example
I have a strong desire to travel the world. [desire: noun]
Example
She desires to become a successful entrepreneur. [desires: verb]
Example
He felt a strong desire for her, but didn't know how to express it. [desire: noun]
yearning
Example
She had a yearning for adventure and excitement. [yearning: noun]
Example
He yearned for the days when he was young and carefree. [yearned: verb]
Example
The song evoked a yearning for his lost love. [yearning: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Desire is more commonly used than yearning in everyday language. Desire is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while yearning is less common and has a more poetic or literary connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between desire and yearning?
Both desire and yearning can be used in formal and informal contexts, but yearning may be considered more formal or literary due to its nostalgic and sentimental connotation.
