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View synonyms for

longing

[ lawng-ing, long- ]

noun

  1. strong, persistent desire or craving, especially for something unattainable or distant:

    filled with longing for home.

    Synonyms:

    Antonyms:

  2. an instance of this:

    a sudden longing to see old friends.



adjective

  1. having or characterized by persistent or earnest desire:

    a longing look.

    Synonyms: ,

longing

/ ˈɒŋɪŋ /

noun

  1. a prolonged unfulfilled desire or need
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. having or showing desire or need

    a longing look

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈDzԲԲ, adverb
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Other Word Forms

  • DzԲiԲ· adverb
  • DzԲiԲ·Ա noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of longing1

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English langung; equivalent to long 2 + -ing 1
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Synonym Study

See desire.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But sometimes a longing to build bridges was seen by some observers as getting in the way of Pope Francis taking a firm stance against wrongdoing.

From

Beginning with her 2000 debut, “White Teeth,” which racked up more awards than we can list here, Smith has explored the spaces between us — ethnic differences, economic disparities, art and longing.

From

And so the bandmates picked up their instruments and kept doing what they’ve always done: Look forward, and play songs for far-flung compatriots longing for the sounds of home.

From

There is a fresh longing for raves of yore — there’s a reason Charli XCX is singing about wanting to hear the club classics.

From

After a seven-month shoot in and around a luxury hotel in the Gulf of Thailand, it seems a certain amount of postpartum longing still lingers.

From

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longieslong in the tooth