What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nostalgic
Example
Looking at old photographs always makes me feel nostalgic. [nostalgic: adjective]
Example
She felt nostalgic for her hometown after moving away. [nostalgic: preposition]
yearning
Example
He had a yearning for adventure and travel. [yearning: noun]
Example
She yearned to be reunited with her family. [yearned: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nostalgic is more commonly used than yearning in everyday language. Nostalgic is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while yearning is more specific and often used in more emotional or poetic writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nostalgic and yearning?
Both nostalgic and yearning are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or literary writing. However, yearning may be considered more poetic or expressive than nostalgic.
