What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wistful
Example
She looked wistfully at the old photo album, remembering the good times. [wistfully: adverb]
Example
He had a wistful smile on his face as he watched the sunset. [wistful: adjective]
melancholic
Example
The music had a melancholic tone that made her feel sad. [melancholic: adjective]
Example
He was in a melancholic mood after the breakup. [melancholic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wistful is more commonly used than melancholic in everyday language. Wistful can be used in a variety of contexts, from reminiscing about the past to imagining possibilities for the future. Melancholic, on the other hand, is less common and tends to be used in more literary or poetic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wistful and melancholic?
Both wistful and melancholic are associated with a somewhat formal or literary tone, but wistful can also be used in more casual or conversational contexts.
