yearn
verb (used without object)
to have an earnest or strong desire; long.
had been yearning
-
past perfect progressiveof yearn.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Dream Factory I had been yearning for a space where I could cut out distractions and manifest whatever was compelling me.
From New York Times ● Nov. 15, 2022
“I had been yearning in here,” he said, pointing to his heart.
From New York Times ● Jul. 19, 2021
Alexis had been yearning to return home and now they run the Kerida guesthouse, to pay for El Cimarron, a dance school they are setting up across the street.
From The Guardian ● Feb. 21, 2021
He had been yearning for a church “he could believe in.”
From Washington Post ● Jan. 6, 2017
When at last he came out of the water and touched the shore he had been yearning toward for the whole round of a passing year, he experienced a burst of astounding joy.
From "Abel's Island" by William Steig
