hankered

The verb "hankered" is a somewhat rare and informal word in the English language, essentially equivalent in meaning to "desired" or "coveted". It is often used in the passive voice, describing an event where someone or something experiences a strong longing or craving for something.

Etymologically, "hankered" is a past tense and past participle of the verb "to hanker", a term thought to have originated in the 14th century, inspired by "hank", an archaic term for a craving or desire. The noun "hanker" itself is an onomatopoeic word, imitating the sound of dry, reluctant coughing, or the slaking of saliva.

The word "hankered" has seen varying usage throughout history, seeing some decline in popularity since the early 20th century. Its presence in modern language has been somewhat undercut by the increasing prevalence of its synonyms, such as "yearned" and "desired", possibly due in part to changes in language usage in response to shifting societal values.

Interestingly, "hankered" has found use in specific contexts, such as literary writing and translation from other languages, where its rarity has sometimes allowed it to substitute for more common terms with additional nuance or depth.

Current dictionaries still recognize "hankered" as a valid verb form, providing evidence that, although it may not be in use as widely as in the past, it remains a functional word in the English language. While its frequency of use may be limited, "hankered" still accurately describes the experience of intensely desiring something, reminding speakers of the importance of precise language in communication.