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yearning

[yur-ning]
See more synonyms for yearning on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. deep longing, especially when accompanied by tenderness or sadness: a widower's yearning for his wife.
  2. an instance of such longing.
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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. 2018

Related Words

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

  • 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.

  • He must go with us—Jimmy,” broke out Helena yearningly: “and so must you.

  • She watched him yearningly until he felt her gaze and looked at her.

  • He slipped an arm around her yearningly, and then the storm within her broke.

British Dictionary definitions for yearningly

yearning

noun
  1. an intense or overpowering longing, desire, or need; craving
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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