Homesick: Definition, Usage & Common Phrases

Meaning 1：longing for home (homesick)

homesick 🔊

/ˈhəʊmsɪk/

adj.

feeling sad because you are away from home and miss it a lot.

Homesick definition illustrated by a person missing home while looking at a family photo

longing for home 🔊

➕

/ˈlɒŋɪŋ fɔːr həʊm/

adj.

The emotional state of sadness and nostalgia experienced when one is physically distant from their home, often involving a deep miss for familiar environments and loved ones.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'home' (dwelling place) + 'sick' (afflicted), meaning literally 'sick for home'.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine feeling physically sick because you're not at your safe place: home.

📖 Example

During her first week studying abroad, she often looked at family photos and felt very homesick. 🔊 During her first week studying abroad, she often looked at family photos and felt very homesick.

🔗 Collocations

feel homesick – to experience the emotion of missing home

get homesick – to start feeling nostalgic for home

be homesick – to be in a state of longing for home

🔄 Synonyms

nostalgic (adj.) – having a sentimental longing for the past or for home

lonesome (adj.) – feeling sad due to being alone or isolated

yearning for home (phrase) – a strong desire or ache to be back at home

🚫 Antonyms

contented (adj.) – feeling happy and satisfied with one's current situation

at ease (phrase) – comfortable and relaxed, especially in a new or foreign environment

settled (adj.) – adjusted and comfortable in a new place

🌱 Derivatives

homesickness (n.) – the condition or feeling of being homesick

📖 Cultural Story

First recorded in the 18th century, 'homesick' combines 'home' and 'sick' to denote melancholy from being away, commonly used in contexts like studying abroad or military deployment.