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Translate files Wistfulness
/ˈwɪst.fəl.nəs/
Meaning & Definition
noun
a feeling of vague or regretful longing.
She gazed out the window with a sense of wistfulness, recalling the carefree days of her youth.
a nostalgic yearning for the past.
His wistfulness for the simpler times of childhood made him more contemplative.
a gentle sadness caused by the awareness of something that is lost.
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
Slang Meanings
A daydreamy kind of sadness.
He was in a wistful mood, just staring off into space.
Feeling blue about the past.
After seeing that old movie, she was hit by a wave of wistfulness.