wistful
Say it: WIST-ful /ˈwɪstfəl/ · adjective
What “wistful” means
Gently sad and wishing for something you miss or cannot have.
More precisely: Gently sad and longing, especially for something past or out of reach.
Example: “She felt wistful scrolling through photos from her year abroad.”
When to use it
Use it for a quiet longing, especially for a happy time you cannot return to. It sounds gentle and reflective.
Similar words
nostalgic, longing, melancholy
Quick check
You pass your old playground and wish you could spend one more afternoon there as a child. How do you feel?
wistful or resentful?
Show the answer
wistful
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