Meaning & Definition of word "Wistfulness"
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Wistfulness
/ˈwɪst.fəl.nəs/
noun:
- 1. a feeling of vague or regretful longing.
- Example: She gazed out the window with a sense of wistfulness, recalling the carefree days of her youth.
- 2. a nostalgic yearning for the past.
- Example: His wistfulness for the simpler times of childhood made him more contemplative.
- 3. a gentle sadness caused by the awareness of something that is lost.
- Example: There was a wistfulness in her voice as she spoke of her long-lost friend.
Etymology
Derived from 'wist', an archaic form of 'wise', meaning knowledge or awareness, combined with the suffix '-fulness'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
wistful thinking:
A state of focusing on things that are unattainable or unlikely to happen.
a wistful glance:
A look that expresses melancholy or longing.
wistful sigh:
A sigh that conveys a feeling of regret or longing.
Related Words
yearning:
A deep longing or desire.
nostalgia:
A sentimental longing for the past.
melancholy:
A deep, persistent sadness.
Slang Meanings of wistfulness
Meaning: A daydreamy kind of sadness.
Example Sentence: He was in a wistful mood, just staring off into space.
Meaning: Feeling blue about the past.
Example Sentence: After seeing that old movie, she was hit by a wave of wistfulness.