The word "Hankered" is spelled as [ˈhaŋkərd]. The first syllable "hank" is spelled with the "h" sound followed by the "a" sound pronounced as "æ". The second syllable "ered" is pronounced as "ərd" with the "e" sound in the middle pronounced as a schwa. The word means to have a strong desire or longing for something. It is important to pay attention to its spelling to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words such as "anchored" or "handkerchief".
Hankered is a verb that describes a strong desire or longing for something, often accompanied by a feeling of nostalgia or yearning. It denotes a strong craving or persistent yearning for a particular object, experience, or ideal that one is unable to attain or achieve.
When someone hankers for something, it means they have a deep longing or a burning desire for it. This could refer to a physical object, such as a particular food, a luxury item, or a specific memento. It could also pertain to an intangible concept or experience, like a sense of adventure, a feeling of belonging, or the taste of success.
The term conveys a sense of strong yearning that may be difficult to shake off. It often implies that the desired object or experience is elusive, unattainable, or beyond one's reach. Hankering typically involves a mix of emotions, including regret, nostalgia, and admiration.
To hanker is to be fixated on something, constantly thinking about it, and wanting it intensely. It implies a persistent longing that does not easily subside. The word is often associated with a wistful longing for the past or an unfulfilled desire for something beyond one's current circumstances.
In summary, hankered describes the profound and lingering yearning or desire one feels for something unattainable or distant, often characterized by a combination of longing, nostalgia, and regret.
The word "hankered" is derived from the noun "hanker", which originated from the Dutch word "hunkeren". The Dutch term "hunkeren" means "to yearn or long for". Over time, the English language adopted the word "hanker" as a verb, and "hankering" emerged as the present participle form indicating a strong desire or craving for something. The word "hanker" has roots in Middle Dutch, Middle Low German, and Middle High German languages, all of which have similar meanings related to longing or desiring.