Longing
ˈlɔːŋɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsA persistent and powerful yearning or desire, often for something unattainable or lost.
ˈlɔːŋɪŋ
A feeling of intense yearning for something.
She felt a deep longing for her childhood home.
💡 Simply: It's like when you really, really miss something or someone, like when you wish you could go back to a fun vacation or see a friend who moved far away. It's a strong feeling of wanting something.
👶 For kids: A strong feeling of wanting something you can't have.
More Examples
The refugees experienced a longing to return to their homeland.
There was a longing in his eyes that spoke of a distant past.
How It's Used
"The novel explores the protagonist's deep longing for a lost love."
"Therapists often address patients' feelings of longing for a sense of belonging."
Experiencing or expressing a strong desire or yearning.
ˈlɔːŋɪŋ
Present participle of the verb 'long'.
She was longing for a vacation.
💡 Simply: It's like you're feeling a strong desire for something, like you're really hoping for it or missing it.
👶 For kids: Feeling like you really, really want something or miss something.
More Examples
They were longing to see their family.
He often found himself longing for the past.
How It's Used
"He was longing for the days of his youth."
"She spent her evenings longing for her family."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Middle English *longynge*, present participle of *longen* 'to yearn', from Old English *langian* 'to yearn, desire'.
Used extensively in Romantic poetry and literature to depict themes of desire and nostalgia.
Memory tip
Think of a long, drawn-out desire that stretches on.
Word Origin
"to yearn, desire"