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Sunday, July 5, 2026

wistful

/wɪstfl/ adjective · British & US
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What does wistful mean?

adjective

Feeling or expressing a sense of melancholic nostalgia, often for something that may never return or has passed. Characterized by a feeling of wistfulness, often tinged with sadness or longing.

Example

"She had a wistful look in her eyes as she gazed out at the old, abandoned house."

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymologically related

Synonyms for wistful

Antonyms of wistful

Rhymes with wistful