The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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yearn

verb

/jəːn/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of yearn

To have a deep and persistent feeling of longing or desire for something that is often difficult or impossible to obtain.
"They yearn for the company of their loved ones who live far away."

Detailed meaning of yearn

When someone yearns for something, they feel a strong and persistent urge to have or experience it, even though they know that it may be difficult or impossible to obtain. The term "yearn" is often used to describe a more intense or emotional type of desire, often associated with feelings of sadness, melancholy, or nostalgia. People can yearn for a wide range of things, such as love, home, freedom, or connection. For example, someone might yearn for a sense of belonging or community, for the company of a particular person, or for a place they once lived or visited. Overall, the term "yearn" refers to a powerful and persistent feeling of longing or desire for something that may be difficult or impossible to obtain, often associated with intense emotions and a sense of longing or nostalgia.

Example sentences containing yearn

1. She would often yearn for the tranquility of the countryside.
2. The artist would yearn for inspiration to strike at any moment.
3. He would yearn for the warmth of his family's embrace during the holidays.
4. The traveler would yearn for new adventures in unexplored lands.
5. The child would yearn for the freedom to run and play without restrictions.
6. He would yearn for the taste of home-cooked meals while away at college.

History and etymology of yearn

The verb 'yearn' has its etymological origins in the Old English word 'gernian,' which meant 'to long for' or 'to desire earnestly.' This Old English term evolved from the Proto-Germanic word 'gernōną,' which carried a similar sense of longing or desire. The deeper root can be found in the Proto-Indo-European word 'ǵʰer,' meaning 'to desire' or 'to long for.' Over time, 'yearn' retained its original sense of having a deep and persistent feeling of longing or desire for something, often something difficult or impossible to obtain. The word 'yearn' thus captures the essence of intense and earnest longing, and its etymology can be traced back to its ancient linguistic roots that convey the concept of desire and yearning.

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Further usage examples of yearn

1. She would yearn for the touch of his hand on her cheek.
2. The writer would yearn for the perfect words to capture the essence of her story.
3. They would yearn for the sound of laughter echoing through the house.
4. The old couple would yearn for the days of their youth and the memories they shared.
5. He would yearn for the gentle lullaby sung by his mother at bedtime.
6. She would yearn for the cool breeze on a hot summer day.
7. The musician would yearn for the applause and adoration of the crowd.
8. He would yearn for the companionship of a loyal dog by his side.
9. She would yearn for the silence of a peaceful morning, undisturbed by the noise of the city.
10. The athlete would yearn for the thrill of victory and the taste of success.
11. He would yearn for the simple pleasures of a quiet Sunday afternoon.
12. She would yearn for the familiar scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen.
13. They would yearn for the embrace of a loved one after a long absence.
14. The dreamer would yearn for the realm of imagination, where anything was possible.