wistfulness

[ wist-fuhl-nis ]

noun

1. a mental state or emotion characterized by melancholy, longing, or pensiveness, or an instance of this:

   The film’s visuals occasionally aspire to the dark contours of a graphic novel, and, at other times, evoke the wistfulness of a watercolor painting.

   It's an extreme novel that conveys its dark message with heart and many moments of wistfulness.

Other Words From

• un·wist·ful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of wistfulness¹

wistful ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

After agreeing on a plant palette that included lots of color, wistfulness, texture and tall grasses, the couple hired a landscape contractor to remove their lawn by hand.

From Los Angeles Times

A photograph is a record of the past from the moment the shutter snaps, which lends the medium a bit of wistfulness.

From New York Times

The lyrics for “It’s Too Late” captured the wistfulness, but also the clarity, of a love affair that has run its course.

From New York Times

There’s a sense of wistfulness and a deep pride for the place, he said.

From Seattle Times

For many of us, these are the last days before we’re roped into a monthlong chorus line of celebration, wistfulness and reverence, before our relational identities consume everything else.

From New York Times

Related Words

• boredom
• despair
• desperation
• despondency
• ennui
• gloom
• grief
• sorrow