Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ɪ fɔː] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "sigh for" may be a bit confusing for those unfamiliar with English phonetics. The sound "sigh" is spelled with the letters s-i-g-h, but pronounced as /saɪ/, with the long "i" sound as in "hi". The word "for" is spelled with the letters f-o-r, but pronounced as /fɔːr/, with the long "o" sound as in "store". Together, "sigh for" is pronounced as /saɪ fɔːr/, meaning to long for or yearn for something.
The phrase "sigh for" is primarily used as a verbal expression in English language, often having a connotation of longing or yearning for something. It can be defined as an act of deep, audible exhalation expressing a strong desire, wish, or nostalgia for something that is either unattainable or currently absent.
When someone "sighs for" something, it implies a profound longing or craving for a person, place, time, or experience that brings about a sense of loss or unfulfilled desires. This yearning may arise from a variety of reasons such as unrequited love, nostalgia for a bygone era, or aspiration towards an unattainable goal.
The act of sighing itself often represents a release of pent-up emotions, as if the person sighing is venting their yearning through this audible exhalation. The gesture of sighing for something is frequently accompanied by a sense of wistfulness, as if the person is acknowledging an unattainable desire or the impossibility of a certain situation.
Overall, when someone "sighs for" something, it typically refers to a heartfelt expression of deep longing and yearning for a person, place, or experience that is out of reach, highlighting a sense of unfulfillment or absence.
The word "sigh" originated from the Old English word "sīcan" which meant to "sigh, lament, or moan". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*sīkaną" which meant "to sigh" or "to sink". The word "for" is derived from the Old English word "for" which had a similar meaning to the modern usage, indicating "the cause or reason" for something. Therefore, the phrase "sigh for" combines the concept of expressing a deep breath accompanied by a sound of sorrow or longing, together with the preposition "for" indicating the reason or cause behind the sigh.
