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Wistfulness: meaning, definitions and examples

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wistfulness

 

[ ˈwΙͺstfΙ™l.nΙ™s ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

emotional state

Wistfulness is a feeling of vague or regretful longing. It often involves a yearning for something that is lost or unattainable, and is typically associated with nostalgia or melancholy.

Synonyms

longing, melancholy, nostalgia, yearning

Examples of usage

  • She gazed out the window with a sense of wistfulness.
  • His wistfulness for childhood days often brought a smile to his face.
  • The wistfulness in her voice revealed her deep longing for home.

Etymology

The term 'wistfulness' is derived from the adjective 'wistful,' which has its roots in the late 16th century. 'Wistful' comes from the verb 'wist,' an archaic form of 'know,' combined with the suffix '-ful,' which denotes 'full of.' Thus, 'wistful' originally meant 'full of knowledge' or 'thoughtful.' Over time, the meaning evolved to connote a sense of reflective sadness or longing for something lost. The noun form 'wistfulness' emerged later, signifying the state or quality of being wistful. The evolution of this term reflects a broader human experience of feeling a mix of happiness and sadness when reminiscing about the past or desiring what is out of reach, a common theme in literature and art.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,664 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.