longing
/ˈlɒŋɪŋ/noun
A deep, quiet, somewhat sad desire for something or someone.
Example sentences
- “He felt a longing for the small town where he grew up.”
- “The song is full of longing for a lover who never came back.”
Usually 'a longing for' something distant or lost. 'Yearning' is its near twin; both are stronger and sadder than 'wish'.