C2adjectiveartsemotions
US/ˈwɪst.fəl/
UK/ˈwɪst.fəl/
slightly sad because you are thinking about something you had or wanted in the past
In context
The song has a wistful mood that reminds me of my student days.
She gave a wistful smile as she looked at the old photos.
The film is a wistful look at a Hanoi that no longer exists.
Words that go with wistful
adjective + noun
- wistful smileHe looked at the sea with a wistful smile.
- wistful lookThere was a wistful look in her eyes.
- wistful toneThe novel ends on a wistful tone.
- wistful memoriesThe smell of rain brought back wistful memories.
adverb + adjective
- slightly wistfulThe ending is happy but slightly wistful.