english word · 2026-07-21
sehnsucht
noun
Meaning
A deep emotional state of longing or yearning for a far-off home or an indefinable greatness. It represents a poignant desire for something unattainable or unknown.
Etymology
From the German 'Sucht' (obsession/craving) and 'sehnen' (to yearn).
Examples
"Looking at the old photographs of a city she had never visited, Clara felt a sudden wave of sehnsucht."
"The haunting melody of the cello perfectly captured that sense of sehnsucht for a world that only exists in dreams."
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