longing
1 synonyms and 0 antonyms for longing, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A strong, often wistful desire for something.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use longing
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English longung, langung ("longing, desire"), related to the verb "long" (to yearn).
Full origin of longing →Frequently asked questions
What does “longing” mean?
The word “longing” means a strong, often wistful desire for something. In plain terms, a deep, often sad, yearning for something you don't currently have.
How do you pronounce “longing”?
“Longing” is pronounced LO-ngihng (/ˈlɔːŋɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “longing” in a sentence?
Here is “longing” used in a sentence: “She felt a quiet longing for her childhood home.”
What is another word for “longing”?
Words with a similar meaning to “longing” include yearning.
What part of speech is “longing”?
“Longing” is a noun.
Where does the word “longing” come from?
The word “longing” comes from Old English. From Old English longung, langung ("longing, desire"), related to the verb "long" (to yearn).
Is “longing” a common word?
“Longing” is an uncommon word in modern English.