wistful

American  

[wist-fuhl] / ˈwɪst fəl /

adjective

1. characterized by melancholy or longing.

2. pensive, especially in a melancholy way.

   Synonyms:

   forlorn, meditative, musing, contemplative, reflective

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wistful British  

/ ˈwɪstfʊl /

adjective

1. sadly pensive, esp about something yearned for

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Other Word Forms

• unwistful adjective
• wistfully adverb
• wistfulness noun

Etymology

Origin of wistful

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

Example Sentences

She is not the only interviewee to cite something that comes across as more of a wistful regret than an actual blunder.

From The Wall Street Journal

They made him feel wistful and homesick for his cave and his friends.

From Literature

Riley finally is coming home, returning Sunday with the unveiling of a long overdue statue in whose bronze reflection a couple of wistful realizations can be found.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s that almost wistful look that she has at the gas station, getting the coffees.

From Los Angeles Times

Some people who don’t expect an inheritance might feel wistful or even sad about their financial prospects, especially when relatives and friends are on the receiving end.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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