longing
/ˈlɒŋɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈlɔːŋɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlȯŋ-iŋ/ (ame, mw)
longing — noun
1. a strong and often long-lasting emotional desire for someone or something that i
a strong and often long-lasting emotional desire for someone or something that is distant, absent, or difficult to reach — for example, a child longing for a parent who has gone away, or a wish to return to a happy time in the past.
Maria felt a sudden longing for the fresh bread her grandmother used to bake.
longing for + concrete object of desire
The boy could not hide his longing to join the older children on their trip.
longing + to-infinitive
After three years abroad, Dr. Tanaka spoke of his longing for his family in Kyoto.
A deep longing filled Amara's heart whenever she saw the ocean, remembering her island home.
The orphanage children watched the parade with longing, wishing they had families to cheer with.
- yearning
Very close in meaning, slightly more poetic or intense; often used with an emotional ache.
- craving
Stronger physical or biological urge; 'craving' often applies to substances, food, or specific experiences rather than people.
- desire
Broader and less emotionally intense; can be mild or strong, short-term or long-term.
- wistfulness
A gentle, nostalgic, bittersweet form of longing, without the same sense of urgency or pain.
- indifference
Complete lack of feeling or interest — the opposite of any emotional pull.
- contentment
A state of peaceful satisfaction in which no longing arises.
文法句型
longing for [something/someone]
longing to [verb]
feel a longing / be filled with longing
用法筆記
Commonly used with the preposition 'for' to name the object of desire. A to-infinitive can follow directly ('longing to go home'). 'Longing' is stronger and more deeply emotional than 'wish' or 'desire', and it often carries a sense of loss, distance, or unattainability.