Basic Details
Word: Wistful
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Feeling a little sad and thoughtful about something that you wish you could have or do.
Synonyms: Longing, nostalgic, yearning
Antonyms: Cheerful, content, happy
Idioms and Phrases
- Wistful thinking: Having thoughts or hopes that are unrealistic or unlikely to happen. Example: "His wistful thinking about winning the lottery made him forget to work hard for success."
- A wistful glance: A look that shows sadness or reflection about something lost or missed. Example: "She cast a wistful glance at the playground where she used to play as a child."
Usage Examples
Example 1: As she looked at the old photographs, a wistful smile crossed her face, remembering her childhood adventures.
Example 2: The wistful melody of the song made everyone feel a little sentimental and reflective.
Example 3: He gazed out of the window with a wistful expression, dreaming about places he had never visited.
Fun Fact
The word "wistful" comes from the Old English term "wist," meaning "to know," combined with the suffix "-ful," indicating "full of." Therefore, "wistful" can be interpreted as "full of knowing" or longing for something that is not present.
Famous Quote
"Wistful is a kind of yearning that can be beautiful in its pain." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "wistful" mean?
a) Feeling excited and joyful
b) Feeling a little sad and longing
c) Feeling very angry
d) Feeling confused
Answer: b) Feeling a little sad and longing
2. Which of these is a synonym of "wistful"?
a) Longing
b) Angry
c) Excited
d) Bored
Answer: a) Longing
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "wistful"?
a) Cheerful
b) Thoughtful
c) Pensive
d) Melancholic
Answer: a) Cheerful
4. Which sentence uses "wistful" correctly?
a) The wistful dog barked happily at the strangers.
b) She had a wistful look as she remembered her old friends.
c) The report was wistful and full of facts.
d) He was feeling wistful during the exciting game.
Answer: b) She had a wistful look as she remembered her old friends.
5. What does the idiom "wistful thinking" imply?
a) Thinking positively about the future
b) Having thoughts that are unlikely to happen
c) Feeling extremely happy about achievements
d) Wishing for something close at hand
Answer: b) Having thoughts that are unlikely to happen
