Meaning & Definition of word "Wistful"
to
Wistful
/ˈwɪstfəl/
adjective:
- 1. Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.
- Example: She gazed at the old photographs with a wistful smile.
- 2. Characterized by a yearning or desire for something lost or unattainable.
- Example: His wistful expression revealed his longing for his childhood days.
- 3. Expressing or reflecting a sad thought about something that might have been.
- Example: The wistful notes of the piano echoed through the empty hall.
- 4. Feeling a sense of nostalgia or longing.
- Example: The movie left her with a wistful feeling as she remembered her own past adventures.
Etymology
Early 19th century: from the obsolete wist 'to know,' influenced by 'wish' and 'full.'
Common Phrases and Expressions
wistful thinking:
The act of imagining or hoping for something that is unlikely to happen.
wistful glance:
A look that expresses a longing or nostalgia.
Related Words
nostalgia:
A sentimental longing for the past.
yearn:
To have an intense feeling of longing for something.
Slang Meanings of wistful
Meaning: Wishing for the good old days.
Example Sentence: That song always makes me feel wistful, like I'm missing my childhood.