Nostalgically: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when reminiscing about the past with a sense of longing and affection. It often reflects a bittersweet emotion.

• She spoke nostalgically about her childhood summer vacations.
• He looked at the old photographs nostalgically, remembering simpler times.

Used when showing or appealing to tender emotions and feelings, often in a way that is overly emotional.

• She kept all his letters sentimentally, unable to throw them away.
• He looked at his old toys sentimentally, each one holding a special memory.

Used when feeling or showing a sad longing or yearning, especially for something that was once experienced or had.

• He watched the children play wistfully, remembering his own carefree days.
• She sighed wistfully, thinking about the opportunities she had missed.

Used when expressing a strong desire or yearning for something, often something unattainable or far away.

• He gazed longingly at the sports car in the showroom.
• She stared longingly out the window, dreaming of her next adventure.