This adjective describes someone or something that is ardently desired or longed for—a beloved person or cherished object. Paul uses it in Philippians 4:1 to address the Philippian believers as his longed-for joy and crown, expressing deep affection and yearning. The word captures the intensity of desire that comes from separation or absence. The multilingual glosses (Spanish anhelados, English 'longed-for') consistently convey this sense of being the object of intense longing. Classically, it could also mean 'missed' or 'found wanting,' but the New Testament usage emphasizes the affectionate dimension.