Wistful

usgb/ˈwɪstfl/
adjective

Feeling a bit sad and longing for something.

Ever since she moved to the city, she would have a wistful look whenever she talked about her childhood village.
Visual representation of "wistful" - Feeling a bit sad and longing for something

Often appears as...

  • wistful look
  • wistful smile

Usage tips

Slightly negative

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "wistful"
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Subtle Sadness

Wistful expresses a gentle, softer form of sadness, not intense grief or sorrow.

Illustration for Subtle Sadness
She had a wistful expression recalling her old friends.
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Reflective Longing

'Wistful' often accompanies feelings of missing the past or what could have been.

Illustration for Reflective Longing
His wistful gaze out the window showed his yearning for the countryside.
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Emotional Nuance

Wistful can imply a mix of emotions, like hopefulness tangled with melancholy.

Illustration for Emotional Nuance
There was a wistful note in her voice as she spoke of next year’s plans.
Visual representation of the word "Wistful"

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