Yearn

Quick meaning: Yearn is a verb meaning (intransitive, also figuratively) To have a strong desire for something or to do something; to long for or to do something.

Meaning

(intransitive, also figuratively) To have a strong desire for something or to do something; to long for or to do something.

More Meanings

1. (intransitive) Of music, words, etc.: to express strong desire or longing.
2. (intransitive, dated) To have strong feelings of affection, love, sympathy, etc., toward someone.
3. (intransitive, obsolete) To be distressed or pained; to grieve; to mourn.
4. (transitive) Often followed by out: to perform (music) which conveys or say (words) which express strong desire or longing.
5. (transitive, archaic or poetic) To have a strong desire or longing (for something or to do something).
6. (transitive, obsolete) To cause (someone) to have strong feelings of affection, love, sympathy, etc.; also, to grieve or pain (someone).
7. A strong desire or longing; a yearning, a yen.

Example Sentences

All I yearn for is a simple life.

I muſt do that my heart-ſtrings yern to do: but my word's paſt.

Anne, please tell me over again that you like me a little bit. I yearn to hear it.

What his soul yearned after was control of his father's newly purchased sailing-ship.

Word Forms

• yearns
• yearning
• yearned
• yearnt
• yearnest
• yearnedst
• yearneth

Synonyms for yearn

Depending on context, synonyms include pant, salivate, earn, lust, urge, ache.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include hanker, ache, languish, long, yen, pine.

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