What is the difference between yearn and crave?

Definitions

yearn

- Describing a strong desire or longing for something that is unattainable or difficult to obtain.

- Referring to a deep emotional or sentimental longing for someone or something.

- Talking about a persistent and intense desire for something that is absent or lost.

crave

- Describing a strong desire or longing for something that is pleasurable or satisfying.

- Referring to an intense and urgent desire for a specific type of food or drink.

- Talking about a persistent and overwhelming desire for something that is addictive or habit-forming.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words describe a strong desire or longing for something.
• 2. Both words can be used to express an intense emotional state.
• 3. Both words can be used in a figurative sense to describe non-physical desires.
• 4. Both words are often used in the context of personal satisfaction or fulfillment.
• 5. Both words can be used to describe a persistent and recurring desire.

What is the difference?

• 1. Object of desire: Yearning is often associated with intangible or abstract desires, while craving is more commonly used to describe physical desires.
• 2. Intensity: Craving is often more urgent and intense than yearning.
• 3. Connotation: Yearning has a more sentimental and emotional connotation, while craving can have a negative connotation if associated with addiction or unhealthy habits.
• 4. Duration: Yearning can be a long-term or even lifelong desire, while craving is often short-term and temporary.
• 5. Scope: Yearning can be broad and encompassing, while craving is often specific and focused on a particular object of desire.

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Remember this!

Yearn and crave both describe a strong desire or longing for something, but they differ in their object of desire, intensity, connotation, duration, and scope. Yearning is often associated with intangible or abstract desires, while craving is more commonly used to describe physical desires. Yearning has a more sentimental and emotional connotation, while craving can have a negative connotation if associated with addiction or unhealthy habits.