Yearn
Pronunciation
- Rhymes: -ÉœË(r)n
Origin 1
From Old English giernan, from Proto-Germanic *girnijanÄ….
Full definition of yearn
Verb
- (intransitive, construed with for) To long, have a strong desire (for something).
- All I yearn for is a simple life.
- (intransitive, construed with for) To long for something in the past with melancholy, nostalgically
- (intransitive) To be pained or distressed; to grieve; to mourn.
- ShakespeareFalstaff he is dead, and we must yearn therefore.
- (transitive) To pain; to grieve; to vex.
- ShakespeareIt would yearn your heart to see it.
- ShakespeareIt yearns me not if men my garments wear.
Derived terms
Origin 2
See yearning ("rennet").
Verb
- (Scotland) To curdle, as milk.