wistful

/ˈwɪstfl/ (bre, ipa) · [wˈɪstfəl] /ˈwɪstfl/ (ame, ipa) · [wˈɪstfəl] /ˈwist-fəl How to pronounce wistful (audio)/ (ame, mw)

wistful — adjective

  • wistfulpositive
  • more wistfulcomparative
  • most wistfulsuperlative

1. feeling a tender sadness because you wish you could return to a happy moment in

1.形容詞B2
釋義

feeling a tender sadness because you wish you could return to a happy moment in the past

例句

Mei-Lin felt a wistful smile cross her face as she held her old school uniform.

wistful + smile (common collocation)

The faded photograph on the shelf made Mr. Okonkwo wistful about his years in Lagos.

feel wistful about [past time/place]

同義詞
  • nostalgic

    Focuses on fond memories of the past; can be happy rather than sad

  • longing

    Stronger, more active desire; not necessarily about the past

  • melancholy

    Deep, more general sadness; less focused on a specific desire or memory

  • pensive

    Thoughtful in a quiet way; may not involve sadness or desire at all

反義詞
  • cheerful

    Happy and light-hearted, with no trace of sadness

  • content

    Satisfied with the present, no longing for what is past or lost

文法句型

feel wistful

grow wistful

wistful + noun (look/smile/sigh/expression)

用法筆記

Often describes a look, smile, sigh, or tone of voice — the feeling is visible or audible. Not used for deep grief or serious trauma.

常見錯誤

❌She felt wistful when her dog died.
✅She felt wistful looking at old photos of her childhood home.
💡Wistful describes gentle, nostalgic sadness, not intense grief or loss.