To feel a strong, often painful, desire or longing for someone or something.
To want something or someone so much that it almost hurts.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To feel a deep and painful longing for a person, place, or thing.
"After years abroad, she ached for the familiar streets of her hometown."
I ache for the touch of your lips, dear.
— "(We'll Meet Again)", popular WWII-era song, widely attributed to Vera Lynn (1939).
To want to do something very much, especially something that feels out of reach.
"He ached for the chance to prove himself on the international stage."
To feel a dull physical pain wanting something — the emotional longing is so strong it feels like a physical ache.
To want something or someone so much that it almost hurts.
Commonly used in emotional, romantic, or literary contexts. The physical metaphor of 'aching' conveys deep emotional longing. Works well with both people and abstract concepts like freedom or justice.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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