Pined vs. Pinned — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 17, 2024
"Pined" conveys longing or yearning, while "pinned" refers to being fastened or held in place.
Difference Between Pined and Pinned
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pined is used to describe a deep sense of longing, missing, or yearning for someone or something often with a sense of melancholy. It's an emotional state related to desire or loss. Pinned, on the other hand, involves attaching or securing something with a pin or similar object, or it can metaphorically mean to hold something or someone down.
In literature, "pined" often appears in contexts related to love, loss, or longing, capturing the emotional depth of characters or situations. "Pinned" might be used in more physical or confrontational contexts, indicating a literal or figurative restriction or immobilization.
"Pined" reflects a state of being that is inward and emotional, often associated with a sense of absence or unfulfilled desire. "Pinned" suggests an action done to something or someone, often implying a limitation of movement or a form of constraint.
The use of "pined" implies an enduring state, one that might not have an immediate resolution or relief. It's about the internal experience. "Pinned," however, often suggests a more temporary and sometimes physically restrictive situation, indicating a specific moment or action.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Longed for or yearned deeply
Fastened, secured, or held in place
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Context
Emotional, often related to love or loss
Physical attachment or restriction; sometimes used metaphorically
Connotation
Emotional depth, melancholy
Constraint, limitation, or security
Usage
Describes an emotional state
Describes an action or condition
Nature
Inward and enduring
Outward and often temporary
Compare with Definitions
Pined
Yearned for with sadness.
He pined away after his partner left, losing interest in his surroundings.
Pinned
Fastened or attached with a pin or something similar.
She pinned the badge onto her jacket with pride.
Pined
Felt a lingering, deep longing.
She pined for her homeland, missing its familiar landscapes.
Pinned
Restricted movement or action.
The accident pinned him under the car, awaiting rescue.
Pined
Suffered with desire or longing.
Pined for the days of youth, he often looked back wistfully.
Pinned
Fixed or directed upon.
All eyes were pinned on the speaker as he made his announcement.
Pined
Desired ardently and wistfully.
They pined for each other's company, separated by vast distances.
Pinned
Held in a fixed position.
The wrestler pinned his opponent to the mat, winning the match.
Pined
Longed deeply for something lost.
The poet pined for the innocence of the past.
Pinned
Imposed something upon someone.
Responsibility was unfairly pinned on her for the project's failure.
Pined
To feel a lingering, often nostalgic desire.
Pinned
A short, straight, stiff piece of wire with a blunt head and a sharp point, used especially for fastening.
Pined
To wither or waste away from longing or grief
Pined away and died.
Pinned
Something, such as a safety pin, that resembles such a piece of wire in shape or use.
Pined
To grieve or mourn for.
Pinned
A whit; a jot
Didn't care a pin about the matter.
Pined
Intense longing or grief.
Pinned
A thin rod for securing the ends of fractured bones.
Pined
Simple past tense and past participle of pine
Pinned
A peg for fixing the crown to the root of a tooth.
Pinned
A cotter pin.
Pinned
The part of a key stem entering a lock.
Pinned
(Music) One of the pegs securing the strings and regulating their tension on a stringed instrument.
Pinned
(Nautical) A belaying pin.
Pinned
(Nautical) A thole pin.
Pinned
An ornament fastened to clothing by means of a clasp.
Pinned
A rolling pin.
Pinned
One of the wooden clubs at which the ball is aimed in bowling.
Pinned
A flagstick.
Pinned
See fall.
Pinned
Pins(Informal) The legs
Is steady on his pins.
Pinned
(Electronics) A lead on a device that plugs into a socket to connect the device to a system.
Pinned
Any of the pegs on the platen of a printer, which engage holes at the edges of paper.
Pinned
Any of the styluses that form a dot matrix on a printer.
Pinned
Any of the small metal prongs at the end of a connector that fit into the holes in a port.
Pinned
To fasten or secure with or as if with a pin or pins.
Pinned
To transfix.
Pinned
To place in a position of trusting dependence
He pinned his faith on an absurdity.
Pinned
To hold fast; immobilize
He was pinned under the wreckage of the truck.
Pinned
(Sports) To win a fall from in wrestling.
Pinned
To give (a woman) a fraternity pin in token of attachment.
Pinned
Having a grain suggestive of the heads of pins. Used of leather.
Pinned
Simple past tense and past participle of pin
Pinned
Having (a specified kind or number of) pins.
A three-pinned arch
Pinned
Fastened with a pin or staple;
The stapled papers
Common Curiosities
Can "pined" ever be used in a positive context?
While "pined" typically has a melancholic connotation, it can also reflect deep love or passion, adding a poignant but positive dimension.
Is "pinned" always physical?
While "pinned" often refers to physical actions, it can also be used metaphorically to describe situations where someone is confined or restricted by circumstances.
Can "pining" affect physical health?
Yes, intense pining, especially due to loss or unrequited love, can affect physical health, leading to symptoms like loss of appetite or sleep disturbances.
Does "pinned down" always mean physically restrained?
"Pinned down" can refer to physical restraint, but it can also mean being cornered in an argument or forced into a specific situation or decision.
Are there any remedies for someone who is pining?
Remedies can include emotional support, engaging in fulfilling activities, and, if severe, professional counseling to address underlying issues.
Can someone pine for something intangible?
Yes, people can pine for intangible things like lost love, missed opportunities, or bygone eras.
Can "pining" lead to creative expression?
Yes, the emotions associated with pining can inspire artistic and literary expression, often resulting in poignant works of art, music, and literature.
How can "pined" be expressed in actions?
While "pined" is an emotional state, it can manifest in actions like visiting places associated with the object of longing, keeping mementos, or engaging in activities that evoke memories.
Can "pinned" imply success or achievement?
In certain contexts, like sports, being "pinned" can imply defeat, but pinning something like a medal or badge can signify achievement or honor.
Can objects be "pinned"?
Yes, objects can be pinned, literally with physical pins or metaphorically, as in pinning a note to a board or pinning blame on an object like a malfunctioning machine.
Is "pining" always related to romantic love?
While often associated with romantic love, "pining" can relate to any deep longing or yearning, not limited to romantic contexts.
Can animals "pine"?
Animals can show behaviors indicative of pining, such as showing signs of distress, loss of appetite, or lethargy when separated from their companions or familiar environments.
How is "pinned" used in digital contexts?
In digital contexts, "pinned" can refer to securing something in a prominent position, like pinning a post to the top of a social media feed.
Is "pining" considered a normal part of grieving?
Pining can be a normal part of the grieving process, representing the longing for what or who was lost and the adjustment to a new reality.
How can one cope with being "pinned" in a situation?
Coping strategies might include problem-solving, seeking support, negotiating for more freedom, or adapting to the constraints while looking for long-term solutions.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
