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Definition of yearning

yearning

/ˈjɝː.nɪŋ/
yearn · ing
Adverb:yearningly
•
Plural:yearnings
•
Adjective:yearning
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yearning Lexical Profile

yearning Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A deep, persistent, and often wistful or tender longing for something, especially something unattainable, lost, or distant.

Example

"Having lived abroad for a decade, she felt a sudden, sharp yearning for the familiar landscapes of her childhood."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Expressing, characterized by, or feeling a deep, persistent, and often wistful longing.

Example

"The violinist played a yearning melody that moved the audience to tears."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for yearning

• Nearby Words

yearlong
yearly
yearn
yearning
yearningly
yearslong
yeasayer

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English verb 'giernan' (to strive, be eager, desire), from Proto-Germanic '*gernjanan', which is related to Old High German 'geron' (to desire) and comes from the Proto-Indo-European root '*gher-' meaning to like or want.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Yearning. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/yearning
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