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longing

5 dictionary results for: longing

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

long·ing

[lawng-ing, long-] Pronunciation Key

–noun

1.	strong, persistent desire or craving, esp. for something unattainable or distant: filled with longing for home.

2.	an instance of this: a sudden longing to see old friends.

–adjective

3.	having or characterized by persistent or earnest desire: a longing look.

[Origin: bef. 1000; ME; OE langung; see long², -ing¹

]

—Related forms

long·ing·ly, adverb

long·ing·ness, noun

—Synonyms 1. aspiration. See desire. 3. desirous, yearning.

—Antonyms 1. apathy.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

long² (lông, lŏng) Pronunciation Key
intr.v. longed, long·ing, longs
To have an earnest, heartfelt desire, especially for something beyond reach.

[Middle English longen, from Old English langian; see del-¹ in Indo-European roots.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

long·ing (lông'ĭng, lŏng'-) Pronunciation Key
n. A strong persistent yearning or desire, especially one that cannot be fulfilled.

long'ing·ly adv.

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