wistfulness
|wist-ful-ness|
C1
/ˈwɪstfəlnəs/
(wistful)
longing or yearning
Etymology
Etymology Information
'wistful' originates from the English word 'wist,' which meant 'to know' or 'to be aware.'
Historical Evolution
'wistful' evolved from the Middle English word 'wistly,' which meant 'intently' or 'with attention,' and eventually became the modern English word 'wistful.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to be aware or attentive,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having a feeling of vague or regretful longing.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a feeling of vague or regretful longing.
There was a wistfulness in her eyes as she looked at the old photographs.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/12 00:21