What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dreamfully
Example
She gazed dreamfully out the window, imagining all the possibilities that lay ahead. [dreamfully: adverb]
Example
He spoke dreamfully about his plans for the future, full of hope and excitement. [dreamfully: adverb]
wistfully
Example
She looked wistfully at the old photo album, remembering the good times that had passed. [wistfully: adverb]
Example
He spoke wistfully about his childhood, wishing he could go back to those carefree days. [wistfully: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wistfully is more commonly used than dreamfully in everyday language. Wistfully is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dreamfully is less common and typically used in more poetic or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dreamfully and wistfully?
Both dreamfully and wistfully are associated with a more formal tone, but wistfully is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
