profound yearning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound yearning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep and intense desire or longing for something. Example: "After years of searching for her true purpose, she felt a profound yearning to travel the world and experience new cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But we know that in many places there is deep-seated discontent and a profound yearning for greater political participation.

The New York Times

"There's a lot of homesickness in Mexican music, a profound yearning because of the need to migrate, which is why I relate to it so much," Ronstadt said, sitting on her chintz sofa sipping tea, her drug of choice.

The New York Times - Arts

"There's a lot of homesickness in Mexican music, a profound yearning because of the need to migrate, which is why I relate to it so much," Ms. Ronstadt said, sitting on her chintz sofa sipping tea, her drug of choice.

The New York Times - Arts

It's the mainspring of German romanticism, this profound yearning, and somewhere within it is the purifying desire on which Hitler built his ultra-nationalistic cult, supported by many who should have known better, including the towering mind of the philosopher Martin Heidegger.

The Guardian - Books

"There is a very clear, very profound, yearning on the part of our core supporters out there to stand for principle," said Representative Bob Barr, Republican of Georgia, who called for an impeachment inquiry last fall and who recently appeared at a town hall meeting on impeachment in his home district.

The New York Times

That pretzel is a tantalising mirage – it can be had from just one particular hot dog cart in Central Park, and when that cart cannot be found, the pretzel becomes only more delicious in its searcher's memory, encapsulating the profound yearning that sits at the novel's heart.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mr Blair said the common thread running through all faiths was to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and continued: "(Faith) answers a profound spiritual yearning, something we feel and sense instinctively.

Independent

Nansen sensed at a profound level the "yearning after light and knowledge", and, almost uniquely, was able to marry that understanding to physical capability and snowcraft.

The Guardian - Books

I understand the profound and emotional yearning to be close to a wild animal.

HuffPost

"It's a beautiful book but also touches on something absolutely basic and profound - the need and yearning a child feels for parenting".

The Guardian - Books

And we are torn in opposite directions, so that a profound, stormy desire -- call it yearning -- is built up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound yearning" to describe a longing that is both deep and significant, often related to emotional or spiritual needs. It adds a layer of intensity compared to simply saying "yearning".

Common error

Avoid using "profound yearning" in everyday conversations or casual writing where a simpler term like "desire" or "want" would suffice. Overusing it can make your language sound melodramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound yearning" functions as a noun phrase where "profound" modifies "yearning", intensifying its meaning. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It is commonly found in literary and expressive contexts to convey a deep sense of longing or desire.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound yearning" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey a deep and intense sense of longing. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it adds a layer of emotional depth. The phrase is most frequently found in news, media and books, and is suitable for both neutral and formal contexts. When writing, remember that while acceptable to use, "profound yearning" should be reserved for situations where such a high level of intensity is appropriate, avoiding overuse in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep longing

Replaces "profound" with "deep", offering a slightly less intense but similar feeling.

intense desire

Substitutes "yearning" with "desire", focusing on the wanting aspect of the phrase.

deep-seated longing

Adds "-seated" to "longing", emphasizing the deeply rooted nature of the feeling.

powerful craving

Replaces both words to emphasize the intensity and compelling nature of the desire.

abiding desire

Uses "abiding" to suggest a long-lasting and persistent yearning.

soulful longing

Adds a spiritual or emotional depth to the feeling of longing.

deep-felt desire

Emphasizes the emotional authenticity and depth of the desire.

earnest longing

Highlights the sincerity and intensity of the yearning.

intense craving

Similar to "powerful craving", but emphasizes the addictive nature of the desire.

unfathomable longing

Suggests that the longing is so deep and complex that it cannot be fully understood.

FAQs

How can I use "profound yearning" in a sentence?

You can use "profound yearning" to describe a deep and intense desire or longing for something, such as "She felt a profound yearning for a life of greater meaning" or "There is a profound yearning for greater political participation".

What's the difference between "profound yearning" and "deep longing"?

"Profound yearning" suggests a more intense and perhaps spiritual level of longing compared to "deep longing", which is a more general expression of wanting something.

What can I say instead of "profound yearning"?

You can use alternatives like "intense desire", "deep-seated longing", or "soulful longing" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "profound yearning" a common phrase in English?

While grammatically correct and readily understood, "profound yearning" is not as common as simpler phrases like "strong desire" or "deep longing". Its use suggests a more literary or emotionally charged context.