wistful

Everyday

1. Sad and full of longing for something you cannot have, or for something that is past. tree →
2. Thoughtful and dreamy, with gentle sadness. tree →

In the lessons

A storytelling word for gentle sadness: a wistful look, smile, sigh or song. In The Wind in the Willows the Rat feels wistful as the birds fly south and the Sea Rat tempts him with tales of far lands. In creative writing it shows a feeling without crying. Phrases: «a wistful smile», «a wistful look».

Examples

• She gave a wistful smile as she waved goodbye. tree →
• The old man looked wistful as he spoke of his childhood. tree →
• The Rat felt wistful when the swallows talked of the south. tree →
• There was a wistful note in her voice. tree →
• The puppy gave a wistful look at the closed door. tree →
• The song was sweet and wistful. tree →
• ‘Don’t be long,’ replied Zizi, and she watched him go with wistful eyes. tree →

Note

Adverb: wistfully. Not the same as «wishful» («wishful thinking» = believing what you wish were true).