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anhelar

to yearn for

verb ah-neh-LAHR Rare

Origin: From Latin anhelare (to pant, to gasp for), suggesting urgent desire.

Also means

to long for

Usage Note

Anhelar is a literary/formal verb that takes a direct object or a following infinitive: anhelar la libertad, anhelar volver a casa. The related noun is anhelo (yearning, longing). Its register sits above everyday desear (to want) or querer (to want/love).

Examples

"Anhelaba volver a ver a su familia."

Natural Translation

She longed to see her family again.

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