What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
homesick
Example
After a month of traveling, I started feeling homesick and missed my family. [homesick: adjective]
Example
She couldn't help but feel homesick when she saw pictures of her hometown. [homesick: adjective]
longing
Example
He felt a longing for his childhood home, even though he knew he could never go back. [longing: noun]
Example
She had a longing to see the ocean again, as it reminded her of happy memories. [longing: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Homesick is more commonly used than longing in everyday language, especially in the context of travel or being away from home. Longing is more commonly used in literature or poetry to describe a deep emotional need or desire.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between homesick and longing?
Both homesick and longing are relatively informal words that can be used in casual conversation or writing. However, longing may be perceived as more poetic or literary than homesick.
