longing
UK: ˈlɒŋɪŋ | US: ˈlɔːŋɪŋ
n. a strong, persistent desire or yearning, especially for something unattainable or distant.
The word "longing" originates from the Old English verb langian, meaning "to desire" or "to grow long (in duration)." Over time, the sense of "duration" merged with emotional yearning, reflecting a metaphorical "stretching" toward something absent. The suffix -ing nominalizes the action, turning the verb into a noun that encapsulates the state of desire. This evolution mirrors how physical distance (long) became intertwined with emotional craving.
She felt a deep longing for her homeland after years abroad.
His longing for adventure led him to travel the world.
The poem expresses a nostalgic longing for childhood.
There was a quiet longing in her eyes when she spoke of him.
The song captures the universal longing for love and connection.