wistful

[ wist-fuhl ]

adjective

1. characterized by melancholy or longing.
2. pensive, especially in a melancholy way.

   Synonyms: forlorn, meditative, musing, contemplative, reflective

wistful

/ ˈwɪstfʊl /

adjective

1. sadly pensive, esp about something yearned for

Derived Forms

• ˈwistfully, adverb
• ˈwistfulness, noun

Other Words From

• wist·ful·ly adverb
• wist·ful·ness noun
• un·wist·ful adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of wistful¹

First recorded in 1605–15; obsolete wist “quiet, silent, attentive” (variant of whist ² ) + -ful

Related Words

• contemplative
• dreamy
• forlorn
• melancholy
• mournful
• nostalgic
• pensive
• plaintive
• sad
• thoughtful