wistful
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “wistful” mean?
adjective.having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.
SAT Usage
the term is often found in passages exploring themes of nostalgia, loss, or unfulfilled dreams. It emphasizes a deep, often bittersweet longing for something that is out of reach, distinguishing it from similar words like "melancholy," which may not necessarily convey a sense of hope or desire.
Common Confusions
Wistful implies a bittersweet longing for something lost or unattainable, while nostalgic usually suggests a fond remembrance of the past without the same sense of yearning for what is gone.
Do not choose wistful if the context emphasizes joy or contentment rather than having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.
Example Sentences
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His eyes grew wistful as he recalled his university days.
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Gazing at the old photo album, Maria felt a wistful longing for the carefree summers of her childhood at the lake.