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

Example Sentences

There’s also the crazed racket of “Motorbike Song” and the alluring ballad “Big Dreams,” written on acoustic guitar and matched in tone by a wistful music video directed by longtime collaborator John Angus Stewart.

From Los Angeles Times

It all plays like a modern riff on Roald Dahl, with that writer’s wit and penchant for the piquant cruelty of kids and adults alike, filtered through Elliot’s more wistful if equally whimsical sensibility.

From Los Angeles Times

Lesh also sang the wistful Box Of Rain, which he wrote while his father was dying.

From BBC

“Somebody Somewhere” changed Hiller’s life, so obviously he’s wistful to see it come to a conclusion.

From Los Angeles Times

But if you’re wistful for big city glitz and grit, the sights, sounds and scents of Hollywood Boulevard await.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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