Wistful

/ˈwɪstfəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.

She gazed at the old photographs with a wistful smile.

Characterized by a yearning or desire for something lost or unattainable.

His wistful expression revealed his longing for his childhood days.

Expressing or reflecting a sad thought about something that might have been.

The wistful notes of the piano echoed through the empty hall.

Feeling a sense of nostalgia or longing.

The movie left her with a wistful feeling as she remembered her own past adventures.

Early 19th century: from the obsolete wist 'to know,' influenced by 'wish' and 'full.'

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.

nostalgia

A sentimental longing for the past.

yearn

To have an intense feeling of longing for something.

Wishing for the good old days.

That song always makes me feel wistful, like I'm missing my childhood.