Understanding the Word “Yearning” – The Deep Desire for What’s Out of Reach
Introduction
The word “yearning” embodies a deep, often emotional longing or desire for something that feels distant or unattainable. Whether it’s a dream, a lost connection, or an aspiration, yearning conveys an intense pull toward what the heart deeply wants. In this blog post, we’ll explore the meaning of “yearning,” its usage, and how to express this profound emotion in words.
What Does “yearning ” Mean?
The word “yearning” is a noun (and sometimes a verb) that describes a deep, heartfelt desire or longing, often mixed with melancholy or wistfulness. It signifies an emotional ache for something that may be absent, lost, or beyond reach.
Pronunciation:
/ˈjɜː.nɪŋ/
Part of Speech:
Noun (or verb: “to yearn”)
| Synonyms: | Antonyms: |
| Longing, craving, desire, hankering, ache. | Contentment, satisfaction, indifference, fulfillment. |
How to Use “Yearning” in Sentences
1. Describing Emotional Longing:
- “She felt a yearning for the simplicity of her childhood days.”
- “The song evoked a profound yearning for love and connection.”
2. Referring to Aspirations:
- “His yearning to travel the world motivated him to save every penny.”
- “A yearning for freedom drove their relentless pursuit of justice.”
Common Phrases with “Yearning”
A deep yearning: Reflects an intense emotional longing.
- “The novel’s protagonist had a deep yearning for belonging.”
Yearning for more: Describes dissatisfaction with the current state and a desire for greater fulfillment.
- “Despite her success, she felt a yearning for more meaningful work.”
Yearning heart: Refers to someone emotionally longing for something.
- “His yearning heart ached for the one he had lost.”
Practice Using “Yearning”
Fill in the blanks to practice your understanding of “yearning”:
- After years of living in the city, she felt a yearning for the ______ of the countryside.
- His paintings often depict a silent yearning for ______.
- The poem captured the universal yearning for ______ and peace.
Conclusion
The word “yearning” offers a poetic way to express profound longing, adding depth to conversations or writing. It’s a versatile term that resonates in contexts of love, dreams, or nostalgia. Start incorporating yearning into your vocabulary to articulate those deep desires that words often struggle to convey.
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Happy learning!
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