Wistfully: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is thinking about something they cannot have or something that is no longer possible, often with a sense of sadness.

• She stared wistfully at the photo of her childhood home.
• He talked wistfully about the days when he was a young athlete.

Appropriate when someone intensely desires or craves something they currently do not have. This word conveys a stronger and more direct sense of wanting.

• He looked longingly at the display of fresh pastries.
• She gazed longingly at the couple dancing, wishing she could join them.

Best used when someone is experiencing an intense, sometimes desperate desire or longing for something. This word implies a deeper emotional craving.

• She looked yearningly towards the horizon, dreaming of her lost love.
• He sighed yearningly as he thought about the opportunities he missed.

Ideal when referring to feelings associated with a warm, often bittersweet fondness for the past. It often implies a sense of affection and a slight melancholy.

• They talked nostalgically about their high school days.
• Listening to that old song makes him feel nostalgically connected to his youth.

Use when expressing a gentle sadness or longing for something in the past, often with a sense of nostalgia.

• She looked wistfully at the old photo album.
• He spoke wistfully about his childhood holidays.

Appropriate when expressing sadness or disappointment over something that has happened or something that was done, especially when acknowledging a mistake.

• He regretfully admitted his error.
• She regretfully declined the invitation, knowing she was too busy.

Best used when expressing deep guilt or sorrow for a wrong one has committed. This word carries a stronger connotation of personal responsibility and remorse.

• She looked at him remorsefully, realizing the pain she had caused.
• He apologized remorsefully for his dishonesty.

Used when expressing profound sadness or grief, often in response to loss or a significant negative event.

• He spoke sorrowfully about the passing of his dear friend.
• She looked at the abandoned house sorrowfully, remembering the happy times there.