yearn
verb (used without object)
to have an earnest or strong desire; long.
had yearned
-
past perfectof yearn.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
At 16, she enrolled at Stanford University to pursue the unfulfilled dream of her father, who had yearned to study there before committing to the family ranch.
From BBC ● Dec. 1, 2023
There was Jeffrey, a Jewish man who had yearned to be a bar mitzvah, and was able to do so, affirming his heritage.
From New York Times ● Apr. 20, 2023
All had yearned for this same moment — to be reunited with their loved ones after Russian troops withdrew from their villages in southern Ukraine.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 14, 2022
The performances at the Lighthouse unleashed the freedom that Morgan had yearned for, which the group immediately shared and felt.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 26, 2021
It was a day we had yearned for and fought for over so many years.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
