Wistful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wistful

[ˈwɪstfʊl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.

Synonyms

longing, nostalgic, pensive, yearning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wistful	Used when someone looks back on the past with a sense of gentle, often melancholic, reflection. She gave a wistful smile, remembering the days when they were all together
nostalgic	Relates to remembering the past fondly, often with a sense of happiness and sentimental value. Listening to old songs makes her feel nostalgic about her school days
yearning	Indicates an intense, often painful longing or desire for something that is not present. She had a yearning for a life of adventure, far from the confines of her small town
longing	Describes a deep desire or craving for something, often something unattainable or far away. He felt a longing for his hometown, a place he hadn't visited in years
pensive	Used when someone is deeply thoughtful, often in a serious or reflective manner. He sat by the window in a pensive mood, contemplating the future

Examples of usage

She gazed wistfully out of the window.
He had a wistful expression on his face.
The wistful tone of her voice revealed her sadness.
I felt wistful as I remembered the good times we had together.
The old photograph made her feel wistful for her youth.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

appearance

Having a pensive or melancholy expression or nature.

Synonyms

melancholic, mournful, reflective, thoughtful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wistful	Use this word when you want to describe a feeling of longing or yearning for something in a slightly sad but gentle way. She stared out of the window with a wistful look, thinking about her childhood home
reflective	This word fits when you're referring to someone who is deeply thinking or considering something, especially about past events or experiences. She sat by the lake in a reflective mood, thinking about the choices she had made
thoughtful	Use this word to describe someone who is carefully considering something or someone who is being kind and considerate of others. He gave her a thoughtful gift, showing how much he cared
melancholic	This word is appropriate when you're describing a deep, almost poetic sense of sadness or sorrow, often without a clear reason. The melancholic music echoed through the empty halls, reminding him of his lost love
mournful	Use this word to describe a feeling of deep sadness or grief, usually because of a loss or death. This word has a stronger negative connotation. The mournful cry of the widow could be heard throughout the quiet village

Examples of usage

She had a wistful smile on her face.
His eyes had a wistful look as he watched the sunset.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Wistfulness often appears in poetry, conveying a longing for the past, like in the works of famous Romantic poets.
In literature, characters displaying wistfulness often reflect on lost love, youth, or opportunities, adding depth to their journeys.
Novels like 'The Great Gatsby' vividly illustrate wistful feelings through the protagonist's longing for a past ideal.

Psychology

Feeling wistful can indicate a longing for connection or unresolved feelings, often tied to nostalgia.
This emotion can stimulate creativity and reflection, encouraging individuals to express their feelings through art or writing.
Studies suggest wistfulness may positively impact mood regulation, helping individuals cope by acknowledging their emotions.

Pop Culture

Many songs capture wistfulness, such as 'Summer of '69' by Bryan Adams, reflecting on carefree moments of youth.
Movies often use wistful music to enhance emotional scenes, making audiences relate to characters' feelings of longing.
Artwork, especially in the Impressionist era, portrays wistful themes, such as fleeting moments and memories.

Nature

The beauty of falling autumn leaves often evokes a wistful feeling as they signify change and the passage of time.
Sunsets are a natural sight associated with wistfulness, representing the end of a day and a moment to reflect.
Many cultures celebrate the shifting seasons which invoke wistful feelings linked to memory and nostalgia.

Origin of 'wistful'

Main points about word origin

The word 'wistful' comes from the obsolete term 'wist,' which meant 'to know.'
It has roots in Old English, where 'wyss' relates to being wise or knowing but has evolved to express a sense of longing.
The suffix '-ful' indicates a full or meaningful quality, conveying the depth of emotion involved.

The word 'wistful' originated in the early 17th century from the obsolete verb 'wist,' which means 'to know' or 'to be aware of.' Over time, 'wistful' evolved to describe a feeling of longing or melancholy. The term is often associated with a sense of nostalgia or regretful reflection.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,742, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19739 brewer
19740 unrelenting
19741 befallen
19742 wistful
19743 illustrator
19744 heaviness
19745 segregate
...