pining

word · lemma: pine

Definition

Feeling very sad and longing deeply for someone or something you miss, often with a sense of hopelessness.

Usage & Nuances

Common in literary or poetic contexts. 'Pining for' takes an object (usually a person, place, or time). Implies strong, often hopeless, longing. Not common in casual speech—alternatives include 'missing' or 'longing for'.

Example Sentences

She is pining for her hometown.

basic

The dog kept pining for its owner.

basic

He is pining for his childhood days.

basic

She spent months pining after her breakup.

natural

You can see he's pining for something he lost.

natural

Stop pining over the past and move on.

natural