What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wistfulness
Example
As she looked at the old photo album, a sense of wistfulness washed over her. [wistfulness: noun]
Example
He spoke with wistfulness about his childhood home, which he had not visited in years. [wistful: adjective]
melancholy
Example
The sound of rain always made her feel melancholy. [melancholy: noun]
Example
He had a melancholy expression on his face after hearing the news. [melancholy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Melancholy is more commonly used than wistfulness in everyday language, as it is a stronger and more recognizable emotion. However, wistfulness is often used in literature or poetry to convey a particular mood or atmosphere.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wistfulness and melancholy?
Both wistfulness and melancholy are formal words that are more likely to be used in written or literary contexts than in everyday conversation. However, melancholy is generally considered to be a more serious and weighty emotion than wistfulness, and may be used in more formal or solemn settings.
