Meaning & Definition of word "Wistful"

Wistful

/ˈwɪstfəl/

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.

●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.

Meaning: Wishing for the good old days.

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