longing etymology

Etymology:

  • Old English "langung," from Proto-Germanic *langungaz ("long")
  • Related to Sanskrit "dirgha" ("long") and Latin "longus" ("long")

Meaning and Origin:

"Longing" refers to a strong desire or yearning for something absent, unattained, or lost. Its etymology suggests a connection to the concept of "long," indicating a sense of distance or separation from the desired object.

The Old English word "langung" was originally used to describe physical length or distance. However, it gradually developed a more abstract meaning, referring to an emotional state of desire and longing.

The verb "to long" implies a sense of emotional yearning, while the noun "longing" describes the emotional state itself. It expresses a strong desire for something that is not immediately within reach, often accompanied by feelings of longing and wistfulness.

In literature and poetry, "longing" is a common theme, representing the human experience of desire, unfulfilled dreams, and the longing for connection and fulfillment.

longing relate terms

  • long

    Etymology The word long comes from the Proto Indo European root leng meaning to stre

  • long

    Etymology The word long comes from the Proto Indo European root leng meaning to stre

  • longing

    Etymology Old English langung from Proto Germanic langungaz long Related to San

  • longing

    Etymology Old English langung from Proto Germanic langungaz long Related to San

  • desiderata

    Etymology Desiderata is a Latin word that means things desired It is derived from th

  • mange

    Etymology The word mange traces its origins to the Old English term manges meaning

  • aspiration

    Etymology Late 16th century in the sense the act of aspiring from Latin aspira

  • hunger

    Etymology The word hunger comes from the Old English word hungor which is derived f

  • list

    Etymology The word list has several etymologies Old English liste meaning a bord

  • want

    Etymology Want From Old English wantan meaning lacking deficient or destitut

  • languish

    Etymology The word languish comes from the Old French word languir which in turn is

  • ache

    Etymology Ancient Greek ἄχη áchē meaning grief distress pain Meaning