The phrase "yearn for" is generally spelled exactly as it is pronounced. The word "yearn" starts with a y sound, followed by the ear diphthong (as in "ear"), and ends with an n sound. The "for" portion starts with an f sound followed by the aw diphthong (as in "saw"), and ends with an r sound. These sounds can be transcribed using the International Phonetic Alphabet as /jɜːn/ for "yearn" and /fɔːr/ for "for". Together the phrase is pronounced as /jɜːn fɔːr/.
The phrase "yearn for" refers to a deep longing or intense desire for something or someone. It encompasses a strong emotional yearning or craving that originates from a passionate longing or unfulfilled need. When one yearns for something, the desire is typically accompanied by a sense of longing, sometimes bordering on aches or pangs of the heart.
This longing is often fueled by a sense of absence or lack, as if there is a void that needs to be filled. It can stem from various aspects of life, such as yearning for love, success, recognition, or even a particular experience. This intense desire can be driven by a range of factors, including personal aspirations, unfulfilled dreams, or a longing for something that seems unattainable or elusive.
"Yearning for" implies a strong emotional attachment and the longing typically persists over a prolonged period. It goes beyond a simple wish or fleeting desire, often leaving an individual desperate to attain or achieve their deep-seated yearning. This powerful emotional force may result in restlessness, daydreaming, or even a constant preoccupation with thoughts, hopes, or fantasies associated with what one yearns for.
In summary, "yearning for" signifies a strong, passionate, and sometimes desperate desire or longing for something that is deeply desired and sought after. It encapsulates a profound emotional attachment and a longing for fulfillment, often engendering a sense of emptiness or incompleteness until the yearned-for object, experience, or goal is attained.
The word "yearn" comes from Middle English "yernen", which is derived from Old English "gearnian" or "geornian". The Old English term means "to strive, desire, long for" and is ultimately rooted in the Germanic language family.