Basic Details
Word: Yearn
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To feel a strong desire or longing for something or someone.
Synonyms: Crave, long for, desire
Antonyms: Dislike, reject, avoid
Idioms and Phrases
- Yearn for the moon: To desire something that is very difficult or impossible to achieve. Example: "He yearns for the moon by wanting to become a famous actor overnight."
- Yearn with all one's heart: To deeply and sincerely long for something. Example: "She yearned with all her heart to travel the world and experience new cultures."
Usage Examples
Example 1: After moving away, he would often yearn for the comforts of his childhood home.
Example 2: Many people yearn for peace and happiness in their lives.
Example 3: She yearned to be reunited with her family after a long time apart.
Fun Fact
The word "yearn" comes from the Old English word "iernan," which originally meant to eagerly desire or to crave. It has been used in the English language for many centuries to express deep feelings of longing.
Famous Quote
"The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it." W. M. Lewis. This relates to the word "yearn" because it suggests that people often have strong desires they are hesitant to act upon.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "yearn" mean?
a) To be happy
b) To feel a strong desire or longing
c) To run fast
d) To laugh loudly
Answer: b) To feel a strong desire or longing
2. Which of these is a synonym of "yearn"?
a) Crave
b) Frown
c) Whisper
d) Jump
Answer: a) Crave
3. Which sentence uses "yearn" correctly?
a) She yearned for ice cream during the hot summer day.
b) He yearns to play football in the garden.
c) They yearned loudly at the concert.
d) The cat yearned to sleep for hours.
Answer: b) He yearns to play football in the garden.
4. Which idiom means to desire something impossible?
a) Yearn for the moon
b) As happy as a clam
c) Get the ball rolling
d) Over the moon
Answer: a) Yearn for the moon
5. What is the opposite of "yearn"?
a) Crave
b) Appreciate
c) Dislike
d) Desire
Answer: c) Dislike
