wistful
Pronunciation
Adjective
C1 Advanced
Quick answer
Feeling or showing a quiet sadness, often mixed with longing for something in the past.
Synonyms and antonyms
Synonyms
nostalgic
yearning
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "He gave a _____ smile as he looked through old photographs of his childhood home."
Answer: wistful
In your own words, what does "wistful" mean?
Feeling or showing a quiet sadness, often mixed with longing for something in the past.