wistfully

[ wist-fuh-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that is characterized by melancholy or longing; pensively:

   As soon as the first colored leaves appear, people start to speak wistfully of the last days of summer.

Other Words From

• un·wist·ful·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of wistfully¹

First recorded in 1660–70; wistful ( def ) + -ly ( def )

Example Sentences

Recounting one particularly vulnerable moment in a diner bathroom — post-milkshakes, no Lactaid in sight — Slate wistfully describes “that feeling, like, when you can tell you’re about to pass away.”

From Los Angeles Times

“They didn’t realize how invested I was in the company,” he says, almost wistfully.

From Los Angeles Times

“Maybe it’s in my future,” he adds wistfully.

From BBC

One advert for the Ukrainian version of hit US series The Bachelor shows a smartly-dressed Oleksandr staring wistfully at a flower.

From BBC

Once my tour was over, I wistfully returned to the parking lot, a strawberry-Ashwagandha smoothie in hand.

From Los Angeles Times