long for

If you do this, you want something very much, often something difficult to get.

• I long for a holiday.
• They longed for the war to end.
• After weeks of noise, she was longing for some peace.

How to use it: long for something (They longed for a peaceful life.); long for someone to do something (She longed for him to call.)

Similar words: yearn for, crave, desire

Common phrases: long for something, long for peace, long for freedom

If you do this, you strongly wish to be with someone who is away.

• She longs for her mother.
• He longed for his family during the winter abroad.
• Do you still long for him after all these years?

How to use it: long for someone (He longed for his wife while he was abroad.)

Similar words: miss, yearn for

Common phrases: long for someone, long for your family, long for your mother

Someone or something described this way is expected to stay alive or continue existing for a considerable time.

• The dying tree is not long for this world.
• The doctor said he was not long for this world.
• With sales falling, that shop is not long for this world.

How to use it: not long for this world (The old dog is not long for this world.); not long for something (After that mistake, he was not long for the job.)

Similar words: lasting

Opposites: short-lived

Common phrases: long for this world, not long for something