The phrase "pine away" is often used to express a state of longing or wasting away due to unrequited love or other emotional distress. The spelling of the word "pine" is fairly straightforward, with the IPA transcription of /paɪn/. The addition of "away" may cause some confusion, as the final sound of "pine" /n/ is not pronounced. However, it is important to include the "n" in the written form, as it impacts the meaning of the word and the phrase as a whole.
Pine away is a phrasal verb commonly used to describe the gradual decline or wasting away of an individual's physical or mental health due to a deep longing, sadness, or unrequited love. The term "pine" can be traced back to its Old English roots, where it originally referred to the declining health of pine trees.
Figuratively, when a person is said to be pining away, they are experiencing a deep, melancholic yearning for someone or something, often leading to a loss in appetite, physical strength, or motivation. This emotional state can be accompanied by feelings of loneliness, despair, and a sense of unfulfillment. The individual may withdraw from social activities, lose interest in hobbies or daily tasks, and may become lethargic or weakened both physically and mentally.
"Pine away" often conveys a sense of helplessness or resignation, indicating that the person may feel trapped in their unrequited desires or emotional distress. It suggests a prolonged and lingering suffering, as well as a continuous yearning for something or someone beyond their reach.
The origins of the phrase in literary works and poetry can be traced back to the early 17th century, becoming a common expression to describe the state of unrequited love or longing. Today, the term is often used metaphorically to depict a profound emotional or psychological decline caused by a significant loss, unfulfilled desires, or unrequited love.
The phrase "pine away" can be traced back to Middle English, where "pine" meant "to suffer from longing or grief" and "away" denoted "intensity or completion". The term "pine" itself can be traced back further to Old English "pinian", which meant "to torture or afflict". Ultimately, the word "pine" can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "pinōną", meaning "to torture" or "to torment". Overall, the etymology of "pine away" suggests a gradual, intense suffering or longing.