yearn

[jɜːn]

[jɝn]

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A yearn is a strong feeling that you want or need something badly.

When people talk about yearning for something, they usually mean it's something they really desire or feel strongly about. For example, if someone says "I've been yearning to travel to Europe," it means they've always wanted to visit and can't wait to go. Sometimes the word can be used in more romantic ways too, like saying "I've been yearning for you" - this means that a person is missing or longing for another person's presence. But often when people talk about yearning, they mean it's something they're really hoping for, even if it seems impossible to get. It's like having a big dream or wish that you keep working towards, but also feel deeply in your heart.

How common is "yearn"?

Word yearn is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

verb

To long, have a strong desire (for something).
Example: All I yearn for is a simple life.
To long for something in the past with melancholy, nostalgically.
To have strong feelings of love, sympathy, affection, etc. (toward someone).
To be pained or distressed; to grieve; to mourn.
To pain; to grieve; to vex.

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Real examples of "yearn" in context

Film Theory: Why Do You Still Care About Gravity Falls?

Entertainment

And we're still hungry for it because the children don't yearn for the minds, we yearn for the mind.

18:22

yearn

How common is "yearn"?

verb

Real examples of "yearn" in context

Film Theory: Why Do You Still Care About Gravity Falls?

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