Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT) English Practice Test

What does it mean to "yearn" for something?

1. To feel indifferent

2. To strongly desire

3. To reluctantly accept

4. To eagerly forget

The correct answer is: To strongly desire

To "yearn" for something means to have a deep and strong desire for it. This term conveys a sense of longing or craving, often associated with feelings of nostalgia or unfulfilled wishes. It implies an emotional intensity beyond mere wanting—it's about feeling a profound need or aspiration for whatever is being desired. For instance, someone might yearn for a past relationship, a place they once visited, or an unachieved goal, indicating that their desire is not superficial but rather rooted in significant emotional investment. This strong yearning often suggests a sense of hopefulness or wishfulness about the future concerning the object of desire.