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
Verzi had yearned to be close to the stars since he was a boy watching horror flicks with his older brother.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2023
But after wins over Fairfax and South County, which both have spent time at the top of the Patriot District, they found the confidence they had yearned for.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 30, 2023
His mother, Tahereh Fallah, who had yearned to be a doctor but was unable to continue her education in Iran, pushed Sharif and his brother to excel and celebrated their successes.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 7, 2021
Back when she was plain “Miss Smith,” she had yearned to make her mark on the world.
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
