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wistful

/ˈwɪstfəl/  ·  say it: WIS·tfuhl

full of yearning tinged with sadness

In Emotions & Moods

In more detail

1. (adjective) feeling a gentle sadness or longing, often for something in the past or something you want but cannot have

2. (adjective) showing this feeling in your expression or manner

Examples

• 1. She had a wistful look as she watched the old photographs from her childhood.
• 2. He spoke in a wistful tone about the days when he used to travel.

Nearby in Emotions & Moods

apprehensive, serene, agitated, indignant, exasperated, resentful