"Ache for" is primarily used in informal speech to express a deep, often emotional, longing or desire for something or someone. It is typically used to convey feelings that are intense and potentially painful in their depth, such as missing a loved one, yearning for a particular experience, or wanting something desperately. In usage, it usually follows a subject that is experiencing the longing, for instance, "I ache for summer days" or "She ached for his company." The emotional resonance of this phrasal verb makes it common in literary contexts, such as novels and poetry, where expressive language helps convey a character’s feelings and relationships. It's less frequently used in formal contexts, where simpler or more literal expressions of desire or longing are preferred.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To desire deeply or have an intense yearning for something or someone.
He ached for the chance to travel the world and explore new cultures.
After their breakup, she couldn't help but ache for the good times they had shared.
Every time he saw a family playing in the park, he ached for his own children.
The artist ached for solitude, where he could gather his thoughts and create.
Living far from home, she ached for the comfort and warmth of her family.
