Yearned-for

Yearned-for describes something intensely desired or longed for. It implies a deep, often emotional, desire for a person, place, object, or experience that is currently absent or unattainable. The yearning itself suggests a sense of loss or deprivation, a feeling of incompleteness that can only be rectified by obtaining the object of desire. It differs from simple wanting by its depth and persistence, hinting at an enduring emotional investment. This longed-for element becomes a focal point of thought, imagination, and sometimes even action, significantly shaping one's perceptions and actions. The absence of this sought-after thing often brings a sense of sadness, frustration, or anticipation, which is always present in the word's context, especially when there is a lack of current prospects. This feeling can be as intense as the desire itself, adding to the overall impact of the yearning-for object or subject.

Yearned-for meaning with examples

• The antique bookshop held within it a 'yearned-for' volume for the avid historian. For years, the scholar had dreamed of holding the ancient manuscript, its pages promising untold historical secrets. Its discovery, however, meant more than the satisfaction of intellectual curiosity: it was a moment of validation for his life's work and a tangible representation of a life lived fully dedicated to academia and the past.
• The 'yearned-for' reunion with her childhood friends brought tears to her eyes. After decades of separation, the prospect of their familiar laughter and shared memories offered solace from the loneliness she had recently experienced. It had been many years since their youthful explorations of the local landscape but she would forever cherish the happy memories of her youth as she reflected on her yearnings for the long lost past.
• The island's 'yearned-for' paradise beckoned, a world away from the mundane realities of everyday life. Its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and warm breezes offered a welcome escape from the pressures of city life. She envisioned a life of quiet serenity, the gentle sway of palm trees a constant reminder that her aspirations, her desire for a better, more tranquil life, were indeed about to materialize as her vessel hit its shores.
• For the struggling artist, the gallery exhibition was a 'yearned-for' opportunity. It represented not only a chance to showcase their work but also to gain recognition and financial stability. The opening night would be the culmination of years of dedication and creative effort, the realization of a dream that had sustained them through moments of doubt and uncertainty for years. The 'yearned-for' approval from the art critics was the ultimate goal.