WISTFULLY Meaning and
Definition
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Wistfully is an adverb that describes the manner of feeling or behaving in a yearning or longing way, often accompanied by a sense of sadness or melancholy. It is derived from the word "wistful," which originates from the Old English word "wist" meaning "desire" or "appetite."
When someone looks or speaks wistfully, they do so with a reflective and contemplative expression, as if lost in deep thought or yearning for something unattainable. It conveys a nostalgic sentiment, often associated with cherished memories or unfulfilled dreams. A wistful person might have an air of sadness mixed with gentle hope as they reflect upon the past or ponder what could have been.
Wistfully can also describe an action or gesture performed with a hint of longing or desire. For example, a person might gaze wistfully at a photograph or touch an old memento while lost in thought, evoking feelings of both fondness and sadness.
The term wistfully appears frequently in literature and poetry, where it is used to convey a character's inner emotions or to create a bittersweet atmosphere. It carries a sense of vulnerability and sensitivity, as it exposes the depth of one's emotions and desires.
In summary, wistfully describes an emotional state or behavior characterized by a mixture of longing, nostalgia, and melancholy, highlighting a person's yearning for something unattainable or a deep reflection on their past.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Other Common Misspellings for WISTFULLY
Etymology of WISTFULLY
The word "wistfully" is derived from the Old English term "wist" or "wiste", which originally meant "to wish" or "to desire". This Old English term eventually gave rise to the Middle English word "wisten", meaning "to intend or to want". Over time, "wistfully" evolved to express a sense of longing or yearning, and is now commonly used to describe a feeling of sadness or nostalgia when looking back on something with a deep longing.
Similar spelling words for WISTFULLY
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