Yearns

/jɜrnz/ verb

Definition

Desires something intensely with a deep, often melancholic longing, usually for something distant or impossible to have.

Etymology

From Old English 'geornian' meaning 'to yearn' or 'to desire earnestly.' Germanic in origin, it's been used for over a thousand years.

Kelly Says

The word 'yearning' has a poetic quality because it implies both desire AND sadness—you can yearn for your childhood or someone far away, combining happiness and pain!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.