Wistful
mediumNeutral toneWIST-ful
adjective
Definition
yearning with a quiet, often melancholy longing
Memory hook
WISTFUL: 'WISH-full' — a heart full of wishes for a past you can't return to, gazing out the window.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“She grew wistful whenever the old song played, thinking of summers long gone.”
“He cast a wistful glance at the house he could no longer afford.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“She grew ______ whenever the old song played, thinking of summers long gone.”
Show answer
wistful
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Wistful is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "yearning" or "longing" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "content".
Related GRE Words
ambivalent
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something
animosity
Strong hostility or hatred
antipathy
a deep, settled feeling of dislike or aversion
apprehension
Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen
contempt
The feeling that a person or thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn
contrite
feeling deep remorse for wrongdoing; repentant
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