wistfully

[ wist-fuh-lee ]

/ ˈwɪst fə li /

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See synonyms for wistfully on Thesaurus.com

adverb

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.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of wistfully

wistful + -ly

OTHER WORDS FROM wistfully

un·wist·ful·ly, adverb

Words nearby wistfully

Wissler, wist, Wister, wisteria, wistful, wistfully, wistfulness, wit, witan, witbier, witblits

How to use wistfully in a sentence

To find out, you’ll have to read this beautiful, aching, and honest portrayal of a skier wistfully longing for something she gave up and an industry that seems to be devouring its own soul.
‘Powder Days’ Is an Honest Look at Whether It’s Still Possible to Be a Ski Bum|lwhelan|November 12, 2021|Outside Online
From our vantage in 2021, it’s hard to conceive of just precisely what to feel optimistic about, much less what we will one day look back upon wistfully.
Saint Etienne looks to the past but limits the nostalgia|Andy Beta|September 10, 2021|Washington Post
This was no Dream Team or Redeem Team or any other collection of superstars who will be wistfully remembered in books or documentaries three decades from now.
This Was No Team USA Men's Basketball Dream Team. But In Tokyo, It Demands Our Respect|Sean Gregory/Tokyo|August 7, 2021|Time
“We’d certainly be open to a transfer,” he said wistfully, “if that’s ever in the cards.”
Judy Garland’s long-lost ‘Wizard of Oz’ dress turns up at Catholic University|Paul M. Duggan|July 8, 2021|Washington Post

He’s intercut with shots of Jungkook glancing wistfully outside his window, as they both reminisce about how “one day the world stopped.”
BTS’s new album is sublime comfort pop for the soul in lockdown|Aja Romano|November 20, 2020|Vox
“It was a magical feeling, leaving daylight to sneak into a theater,” he says wistfully.
Can Condon's Freak Show Win Broadway?|Tim Teeman|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“My heart wants to vote yes,” Barclay said, shaking his head wistfully.
Scots Must Choose Heart or Head|Nico Hines|September 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“I look back wistfully at the Cold War,” Inhofe said Thursday at a breakfast meeting with reporters.
Top Republicans Call for Return to Cold War|Josh Rogin|February 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Years later, John Lewis recalled to me wistfully: “There was so much optimism, so much hope.”
“So Much Hope”: A Reporter Remembers the March on Washington|Hedrick Smith|August 27, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Throughout, these weighty matters are examined candidly and wistfully, with the wisdom that only age and inwardness can bring.
The Art of Digital Correspondence|Matthew Walther|May 12, 2013|DAILY BEAST
She wore a little red hood, and looked wistfully after Davy as the shop went out of sight.
Davy and The Goblin|Charles E. Carryl
Rosemary flitted about like a will o' the wisp, and finally went to the window, where she stood looking wistfully out.
Rosemary in Search of a Father|C. N. Williamson
He understood, and would obey; but his eyes followed her wistfully till she disappeared from sight.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
He glanced rather wistfully in a puzzled way at the lovely little face framed with blowing golden hair.
Rosemary in Search of a Father|C. N. Williamson
"I tell you," he said, and turned his head to look wistfully up at the eastern coulée-rim, all tinted with the blazing sunset.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair