yearn
Translation
to long for, to crave, to pine for
Examples
She yearned for a simple life.
She longed for a simple life.
He yearned to see his family again.
He longed to see his family again.
Grammar Patterns
((for sth.)) to long for something She yearned for a simple life.
((to-inf)) to long to do something He yearned to see his family again.
Similar Words
Synonyms: long for, crave, desire, pine for
Etymology
From Old English 'giernan' (to desire, be eager), related to 'eager'.
Memory Tips
The sound of 'yearn' is long and drawn out, like a sigh of longing. Imagine someone 'yearning' for a whole 'year'.