Words / C2

WISTFL/ˈwɪstfl/

Wistful is sadly thoughtful, longing for what is past or out of reach: a wistful look, wistful about childhood. Wishful (wishful thinking) is hoping against the evidence — the mix-up. Nostalgic is a close cousin; sad is everyday and wider. Do not call furious regret wistful.

Meaning

Sad and thoughtful, wishing for something past or out of reach.

Examples

• “He gave the old lab a wistful look on the last day.”
• “He gave the old lab a wistful look and then locked it without a speech.”
• “Wishful thinking denies the numbers; a wistful sentence admits they will not come back.”

Good to know

Sadly longing (often for the past). Mix-up: wishful thinking (hope vs facts). Close: nostalgic. Everyday: sad. Not rage.

Near in meaning

nostalgic

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