What are the definitions of “pine away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Suffer physically because of grief, stress, worry, etc.
He's been PINING AWAY since his wife died and is a shadow of his former self.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pine away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pine away is to suffer physically or emotionally due to grief, stress, worry, or other negative feelings. It often implies a gradual decline in health or well-being. For example, someone might pine away after the loss of a loved one, a breakup, or a major life change.
What are the different verb forms of “pine away”?
| Root Verb | pine away |
| Third Person Singular Present | pines away |
| Present Participle | pining away |
| Simple Past | pined away |
| Past Participle | pined away |
Example
She started to pine away after her best friend moved away.
Example
He pines away every time he thinks about his lost love.
Example
They are pining away since their favorite restaurant closed down.
Example
She pined away after her husband passed away.
Example
He had pined away since his dog went missing.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pine away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“pine away” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She pined away after her husband passed away.
Example
He pined away since his dog went missing.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“pine away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She pined away after her husband passed away.
Example
He pined away since his dog went missing.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pine away”?
Pine for someone/something
To long for or desire someone or something intensely, often in a melancholic or nostalgic way.
Example
She pined for her childhood home after moving to the city.
Pine over someone/something
To dwell on or obsess over someone or something, often in a sad or regretful way.
Example
He pined over his lost love for years, unable to move on.
Good things to know
Does “pine away” have an informal or formal tone?
Pine away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or speech, depending on the specific context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “pine away”?
Synonyms
- deteriorate
- languish
- waste away
- decline
- wilt
- suffer
- weaken
- wither
Antonyms
- thrive
- flourish
- prosper
- improve
- recover
- strengthen
- grow
- bounce back
