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longing

[/ˈlɔːŋɪŋ/]
noun/adjectivepl: longings
anseio, saudade, desejo intenso
1. (noun) A deep desire or yearning for something or someone
She felt a longing to return to her homeland.
Ela sentia um anseio de retornar à sua terra natal.
2. (adjective) Showing a deep desire or yearning
He gave her a longing look across the room.
Ele lhe lançou um olhar cheio de desejo pela sala.
3. (noun) An unfulfilled or persistent wish
The longing for adventure drove him to travel.
O anseio por aventura o impulsionou a viajar.
Synonyms
yearningcravingdesireachepininghungerthirst
Antonyms
indifferenceaversioncontentmentsatisfaction

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
anseio, saudade, desejo
Common usage; saudade specifically conveys nostalgic longing
Rio de Janeiro
vontade, anseio
More colloquial usage
São Paulo
anseio, desejo intenso
Standard formal usage
Portugal
anseio, saudade, ânsia
Saudade is deeply rooted in Portuguese culture; ânsia used for anxiety-tinged longing

Related Idioms & Phrases

longing for the good old days
a longing gaze
consumed by longing
heart's longing
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