What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
homesick
Example
After moving to a new country, I felt homesick for months. [homesick: adjective]
Example
She cried herself to sleep every night because she was so homesick. [homesick: adjective]
wistful
Example
As she looked through old photo albums, she felt wistful for her childhood. [wistful: adjective]
Example
He listened to the song and felt wistful for the memories it brought back. [wistful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Homesick is more commonly used than wistful in everyday language. Homesick is a common emotion experienced by people who have moved away from their home or family, while wistful is a less common emotion that is associated with nostalgia or sentimentality.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between homesick and wistful?
Both homesick and wistful are relatively informal words that can be used in casual conversation or writing. However, homesick may be more appropriate in formal situations where the speaker wants to convey a strong emotional impact.
