wistful — having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈwɪstfəl/
Example Sentences
- He felt wistful watching old couples dance, remembering his late wife.
- She became wistful every time she passed by her old school.
- My dog gets wistful when he sees his empty food bowl - such drama!
wistful
ADJECTIVE[/ˈwɪstfəl/]
having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing
A wistful woman gazes at old photographs on an empty train platform
With a fistful of memories, he gazes wistful at the past
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the obsolete English word 'wist' (to know or suppose) combined with the suffix '-ful' (full of). The term emerged in the 17th century, originally meaning 'full of knowledge or intent' before evolving to its modern sense of yearning or longing.
Breakdown
wist (to know, suppose) + -ful (full of) = wistful (full of longing or yearning)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“He felt wistful watching old couples dance, remembering his late wife.”
“She became wistful every time she passed by her old school.”
“My dog gets wistful when he sees his empty food bowl - such drama!”
“Tom's wistful expression while looking at pizza menus was truly touching.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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