Pensive (en. Pensive)

/pɑ̃.siv/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
adjective
Absorbed in serious or melancholic reflection.
She had a pensive look while looking out the window.
Elle avait un regard pensif en regardant par la fenêtre.
Showing concern or sadness.
His pensive demeanor indicated that he was worried about something.
Son attitude pensive indiquait qu'il était préoccupé par quelque chose.
Related to deep meditation or contemplation.
He spent hours in a pensive state, lost in thought.
Il passait des heures dans un état pensif, perdu dans ses pensées.

Etymology

From Latin 'pensivus', derived from 'pensare' (to think).

Common Phrases and Expressions

thoughtful look
A gaze that shows reflection or concern.
regard pensif
thoughtful moment
A moment marked by contemplation or deep reflection.
moment pensif

Related Words

thought
The mental process of developing ideas or thoughts.
pensée
melancholy
A state of vague sadness or nostalgia.
mélancolie
reflection
The action of thinking deeply about something.
réflexion

Slang Meanings

Daydreaming
He was daydreaming, losing track of the conversation.
Il était dans la lune, perdant le fil de la conversation.
Having one's head in the clouds
She had her head in the clouds and didn't hear her name.
Elle avait la tête dans les nuages et n'a pas entendu son nom.