First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
yearn
verb \ˈyərn\
: to feel a strong desire or wish for something or to do something
Full Definition of YEARN
intransitive verb
1
: to long persistently, wistfully, or sadly <yearns to make a difference>
2
: to feel tenderness or compassion
— yearn·er noun
— yearn·ing·ly \ˈyər-niŋ-lē\ adverb
See yearn defined for English-language learners
See yearn defined for kids
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Origin of YEARN
Middle English yernen, from Old English giernan; akin to Old High German gerōn to desire, Latin hortari to urge, encourage, Greek chairein to rejoice
Synonym Discussion of YEARN
long, yearn, hanker, pine, hunger, thirst mean to have a strong desire for something. long implies a wishing with one's whole heart and often a striving to attain <longed for some rest>. yearn suggests an eager, restless, or painful longing <yearned for a stage career>. hanker suggests the uneasy promptings of unsatisfied appetite or desire <always hankering for money>. pine implies a languishing or a fruitless longing for what is impossible <pined for a lost love>. hunger and thirst imply an insistent or impatient craving or a compelling need <hungered for a business of his own> <thirsted for power>.
YEARN Defined for Kids
yearn
verb \ˈyərn\
yearnedyearn·ing
Definition of YEARN for Kids
: to desire very much
Synonym Discussion of YEARN
yearn, long, and pine mean to desire something very much. yearn is used of a very eager desiring along with restless or painful feelings. <They're yearning for freedom.> long is used when someone truly wants something and often tries very hard to get it. <She longed to become a successful writer.> pine is used when someone is growing weak while continuing to want something that is impossible to get. <She was pining away for her long lost friend.>
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