yearning

[yur-ning]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR yearning ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

deep longing, especially when accompanied by tenderness or sadness: a widower's yearning for his wife.

an instance of such longing.

Origin of yearning

before 900; Middle English; Old English gierninge. See yearn, -ing¹

Related formsyearn·ing·ly, adverbun·yearn·ing, adjective

Synonym study

1. See desire.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for yearningly

warmly, passionately, respectfully, zealously, earnestly, reverently, longingly, affectionately, admiringly, fondly, generously, kindly, loyally, adoringly, appreciatively, ardently, attentively, considerately, devotedly, endearingly

Examples from the Web for yearningly

Historical Examples of yearningly

Helen looked up and caught the eyes so yearningly regarding her.
The Law-Breakers
Ridgwell Cullum
I had feared that the yearningly inquisitive Sarah might also be there.
John Gayther's Garden and the Stories Told Therein
Frank R. Stockton
He must go with us—Jimmy,” broke out Helena yearningly: “and so must you.
The Lady and the Pirate
Emerson Hough
She watched him yearningly until he felt her gaze and looked at her.
The Secret of the Storm Country
Grace Miller White
He slipped an arm around her yearningly, and then the storm within her broke.
Children of the Desert
Louis Dodge

British Dictionary definitions for yearningly

yearning

noun

an intense or overpowering longing, desire, or need; craving

Derived Formsyearningly, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012