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Definition of wistfully

wistfully

/ˈwɪst.fəl.i/
wist · ful · ly
Adjective:wistful
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wistfully Lexical Profile

wistfully Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner marked by a feeling of vague, regretful longing or nostalgic yearning.

Example

"She looked out the window and smiled wistfully as she remembered her carefree summers at the lake."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for wistfully

• Nearby Words

wispy
wisteria
wistful
wistfully
wistfulness
wit
witch

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 17th century from the adjective 'wistful' and the suffix '-ly'. 'Wistful' evolved as a blend of the archaic adverb 'wistly' (meaning 'intently') and the verb 'wish'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Wistfully. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/wistfully
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