The spelling of the word "languishes for" can be a bit tricky. The first syllable, "lang", is pronounced with a long "a" sound followed by an "ng" sound. The second syllable, "uish", is pronounced with a "w" sound followed by a long "i" sound and an "sh" sound. The final syllable, "es", is pronounced with a short "e" sound followed by an "s" sound. Altogether, the word is pronounced as /ˈlæŋɡwɪʃɪz fɔːr/. It means to suffer from a lack of something and yearn for it.
Languishes for is a phrasal verb that refers to a state of longing, yearning, or desiring something intensely. It signifies a deep and sustained desire or craving for something or someone that one does not currently possess. The word "languish" in this context emphasizes a sense of yearning or aching, often with a feeling of sadness or longing.
When someone languishes for something, it suggests that they are experiencing a profound sense of deprivation or dissatisfaction in the absence of that which they desire. The feeling can be associated with a variety of aspects, such as love, attention, success, material possessions, or even intangible objects like freedom or peace. It connotes a strong emotional and psychological state marked by a prolonged and unsatisfied desire.
Furthermore, languishing for something often implies a passive longing or pining, where the individual may feel powerless or unable to attain what they yearn for. It can encompass a range of emotions, including a sense of emptiness, restlessness, or unfulfillment.
For instance, one might say, "She languishes for his affection," indicating that she deeply desires his love or attention and feels a sense of longing or deprivation without it. Similarly, "He languishes for success and recognition," highlights an individual’s intense yearning for achievement and acknowledgment in their endeavors, perhaps feeling discouraged or unfulfilled in their current situation. Overall, languishes for encapsulates a potent longing or yearning that imbues one's emotions and state of being.
The etymology of the phrase "languishes for" can be traced to the combination of two separate words, "languishes" and "for".
1. Languishes: The word "languish" originates from the Old French term "languiss-" (stem of "languir"), which ultimately comes from the Latin word "languere". In Latin, "languere" means "to be weak or faint". Over time, the term evolved in Middle English to signify a state of being weak, lacking energy, or pining.
2. For: The word "for" is derived from the Old English word "foran" or "fore". It has always retained its basic meaning, referring to the reason, purpose, or recipient of an action.