What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
homesick
Example
After moving to a new city, I felt homesick for my old neighborhood. [homesick: adjective]
Example
She couldn't enjoy her vacation because she was too homesick to have fun. [homesick: adverb]
pining
Example
He spent his days pining for his lost love. [pining: verb]
Example
The old man sat by the window, pining for his youth. [pining: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Homesick is more commonly used than pining in everyday language, especially in the context of missing one's home or country. Pining is less common and tends to be used in more literary or poetic contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between homesick and pining?
Both homesick and pining are considered relatively formal words, but homesick is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
