Langimage
English

yearns

|yearns|

B2

🇺🇸

/jɜrnz/

🇬🇧

/jɜːnz/

(yearn)

deep longing

Base Form3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounAdjective
yearnyearnsyearnedyearnedyearningyearningyearning
Etymology
Etymology Information

'yearn' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'giernan,' where 'giernan' meant 'to desire or long for.'

Historical Evolution

'giernan' transformed into the Middle English word 'yernen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'yearn'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to desire or long for,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to have an intense feeling of longing for something, typically something that one has lost or been separated from.

She yearns for the days when she was young and carefree.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

third person singular form of 'yearn'.

He yearns for adventure.

Synonyms

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42