Definition and meaning of English word "longing"
longing
/ˈlɒŋɪŋ/
Meaning
NounAn earnest and deep, not greatly passionate, but rather melancholic desire.
How to use
The noun 'longing' typically appears in formal or literary contexts, often expressing a sentimental yearning for something or someone. A common grammatical nuance is that 'longing' is frequently used with the preposition 'for', as in 'a longing for home'. Learners should note that 'longing' is not typically used to describe a strong or urgent desire, which would be better expressed with words like 'yearning' or 'craving'.
🇬🇧 English
longing
Example
It is important to keep the longing in a safe place.
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Common phrases
- a deep longing— a deep longing
- longing for something— longing for something
- a sense of longing— a sense of longing
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #1381 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "longing" mean?▼
The English word "longing" means "longing" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "longing"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "longing" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "longing"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "She chose a new longing yesterday." (which translates as "longing").
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