yearn

[yurn]

yearn Definition

to have a strong desire or longing for something, especially something that is difficult or impossible to obtain.

Using yearn: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "yearn" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She yearns for the day when she can travel the world.

• Example

  He yearned to be reunited with his family.

• Example

  The child yearned for a puppy of her own.

• Example

  I yearn for the peace and quiet of the countryside.

yearn Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for yearn

• crave
• desire
• long
• hanker
• pine

Antonyms for yearn

• abhor
• loathe

Phrases with yearn

• yearn for

  to have a strong desire or longing for something

  Example

  She yearned for the freedom to live her life as she pleased.

• yearn to do something

  to have a strong desire or longing to do something

  Example

  He yearned to explore the world and see all its wonders.

• yearning look

  a look that expresses a strong desire or longing for something

  Example

  She gave him a yearning look, hoping he would understand how much she wanted to be with him.

Origins of yearn

from Old English 'gearnian', meaning 'to long for'

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Summary: yearn in Brief

The verb 'yearn' [yurn] means to strongly desire or long for something, especially something that is difficult or impossible to obtain. It is often used in phrases like 'yearn for' and 'yearn to do something,' and can be accompanied by a 'yearning look.' Synonyms include 'crave,' 'desire,' and 'long.'