The meaning of WISTFUL is full of yearning or desire tinged with melancholy; also : inspiring such yearning. How to use wistful in a sentence. Wistful Has a Wishful History.

WISTFUL definition: characterized by melancholy or longing. See examples of wistful used in a sentence.

Definition of wistful adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

1. Full of melancholy longing or wishful yearning: "She seemed wistful for the old days when I'd hung around her all the time" (David Huddle). 2. Expressing sadness or yearning: "She saw …

The undeserved good fortune of others can be borne with a wistful sigh, but their ability to master circumstance and control the course of their lives evokes suspicion and resentment.

Someone who is wistful is rather sad because they want something and know that they cannot have it. I can't help feeling slightly wistful about the perks I'm giving up.

Dec 1, 2025 · Adjective wistful (comparative more wistful, superlative most wistful) Full of longing or yearning. Synonyms: desirous, yearnful His eyes grew wistful as he recalled his university …

Having or showing a feeling of longing or sadness mixed with a hint of nostalgia. See example sentences, synonyms, and etymology for the adjective wistful.

Only one letter separates the two words, but "wishful" is having hope for something, and wistful is having sadness or melancholy about something. "Wist" isn't even a word that's used anymore, …

Wistful refers to having or expressing a feeling of vague or regretful longing, typically for something that is not attainable or has been lost. It can also imply a sense of melancholy or …