yearn for knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yearn for knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong desire or longing to learn or acquire knowledge. Example: "As a lifelong learner, I yearn for knowledge and seek out new experiences that will expand my understanding of the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

My personal journey is like those of thousands of others who yearn for knowledge and are determined to be successful in their respective fields of study.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The motorbike, Granado remembers, was a symbol of their yearning for knowledge and freedom.

The Guardian - Film

But that overlooks an ingredient in the national motivation that may not spring as much from boot-camp parenting as it does from a pervasive, deeply felt yearning for knowledge.

The New Yorker

By all accounts, including those of the members of Auburn's black community, Freeman was a bright and industrious child with a yearning for knowledge and a promising future.

The New York Times

FolloWeAllison Elkin on Twitter.

Vice

Despite never learning how to read or write, Akbar the Great was a curious thinker who constantly yearned for knowledge.

Huffington Post

If that something is unbounded consciousness - as we propose - it also manifested as creativity, love, truth, aspiration, spirituality, beauty and the very yearning for knowledge that became the process of science.

Huffington Post

Controversies can serve as a major driving force of progress, since they stimulate thought, discussion, and the yearning for more knowledge.

Diabetes Care

The human yearning and thirst for knowledge and discovery is limitless.

Huffington Post

Alma yearns for friendship, for love and for knowledge.

The Guardian - Books

Tennyson projects this zeal into Ulysses' unquenched desire for knowledge: And this gray spirit yearning in desire To follow knowledge like a sinking star, Beyond the utmost bound of human thought.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yearn for knowledge" to convey a strong, almost wistful, desire for learning and understanding. It's particularly effective in contexts where emotional or personal investment in learning is emphasized.

Common error

While "yearn for knowledge" is widely acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "seek knowledge" or "desire knowledge" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yearn for knowledge" functions primarily as a verbal phrase where "yearn" acts as a verb expressing a strong desire, and "for knowledge" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the object of that desire. As Ludwig explains, this conveys a powerful longing to learn.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "yearn for knowledge" is a powerful expression indicating a strong desire to learn and understand. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It functions as a verbal phrase, with "yearn" expressing a deep, emotional longing for knowledge. While versatile, it's best used where an emotional connection to learning is emphasized. News & Media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias are all common sources. When writing, use it to convey a strong and deeply felt desire for learning, and consider alternatives like "crave knowledge" or "aspire to knowledge" in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long for knowledge

Expresses a deep and often sentimental desire for knowledge.

crave knowledge

This alternative conveys a stronger, almost addictive, desire for knowledge.

hunger for knowledge

Similar to thirst, this emphasizes the essential nature of knowledge acquisition.

have a thirst for knowledge

This phrase uses a metaphor to describe a strong need for knowledge.

have an appetite for knowledge

Similar to thirst and hunger, using appetite frames getting knowledge as pleasurable and desirable.

aspire to knowledge

This phrase suggests a more ambitious and goal-oriented pursuit of knowledge.

be hungry for insights

Focuses on acquiring insights, which implies a deeper level of understanding than just facts.

desire knowledge

This is a more straightforward and less intense way of expressing a wish for knowledge.

yearn for wisdom

This shifts the focus slightly from factual information to deeper understanding and insight.

seek knowledge

This indicates a deliberate and active effort to find and acquire knowledge.

FAQs

What does it mean to "yearn for knowledge"?

To "yearn for knowledge" means to have a strong and deep desire to learn and understand things. It implies a longing or craving for information and wisdom.

How can I use "yearn for knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "yearn for knowledge" in a sentence to describe someone's strong desire to learn, for example: "As a lifelong learner, she has always had a deep "longing for knowledge" and new experiences."

What are some alternatives to "yearn for knowledge"?

Some alternatives to "yearn for knowledge" include "crave knowledge", "desire knowledge", "hunger for knowledge", or "aspire to knowledge". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more common to say "yearn for knowledge" or "yearn for wisdom"?

"Yearn for knowledge" and "yearn for wisdom" are both valid phrases, but they emphasize different aspects. "Yearn for knowledge" focuses on the acquisition of information, while "yearn for wisdom" suggests a desire for deeper understanding and insight.