Meaning & Definition of word "Wistfulness"

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.