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]
pensive
Example
She sat in a pensive mood, pondering the meaning of life. [pensive: adjective]
Example
He looked pensive as he gazed out the window, lost in thought. [pensive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pensive is more commonly used than wistful in everyday language. Pensive is versatile and can be employed in various contexts, while wistful is less common and refers to a more specific mood or atmosphere.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wistful and pensive?
Both wistful and pensive are associated with a formal tone, often used in literary or poetic contexts. However, pensive is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while wistful is more limited in its usage.
