The word "longing" is spelled with six letters and pronounced as /ˈlɔŋɪŋ/. The first syllable sounds like "long" whereas the second syllable ends with the sound of "ing". The word represents a strong desire or an intense wish for something. It can also refer to the feeling of nostalgia or yearning for someone or something that is lost. Although the word has a simple spelling, its emotive impact can be profound, evoking feelings of longing in the hearts of those who experience it.
Longing is a deep emotional desire or yearning for something or someone that is absent or unattainable. It is a profound sense of craving or longing for a specific object, experience, or person, often accompanied by a mixture of sadness, nostalgia, or even pain.
The nature of longing is rooted in an intense feeling of attachment or affinity for that which is absent or inaccessible. It may manifest as a fervent wish or a persistent ache in the heart and soul. Longing can arise from various sources, including unrequited love, separation, nostalgia for past experiences, unfulfilled dreams, or a yearning for something beyond reach.
The emotions associated with longing are often complex and multifaceted. It may involve feelings of loneliness, melancholy, or restlessness, as the individual yearns for the presence of what is desired. At times, longing can evoke a bittersweet sensation, as the person understands the unattainability of their desires, yet they still hold onto hope or find solace in the longing itself.
Longing can be a powerful driving force, motivating individuals to pursue their dreams, seek closure, or propel themselves towards self-growth. It can also serve as a reminder of the depth of human emotions and the capacity for connection. Despite its inherent melancholic undertone, longing is a testament to the richness of the human experience and the enduring power of desires that shape our lives.
• Having an earnest desire; having a preternatural craving.
• An earnest desire; a continual wish or craving.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "longing" has its origins in the Old English word "langian", which means "to desire eagerly" or "to yearn for". This word is derived from the Old English noun "langung", meaning "desire" or "craving". Further back, it can be traced to the Proto-Germanic root "langōną", indicating a strong emotional or physical desire. The modern English word "longing" evolved from the Middle English "longinges" in the 14th century, retaining the same core meaning of a strong, intense desire or yearning for something.