Wistful
/ˈwɪst.fəl/noun
Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.
Did you know?The roots of 'wistful' trace back to the Old English word for 'to know', linking it to the idea of deep awareness and longing for what is beyond reach.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
Old English
wist
“To know, to be aware of.”
Middle English
Middle English
wistful
“Full of wist, having knowledge or awareness.”
14th Century
Middle English
wistful
“Longing or yearning, often with an element of sadness.”
Modern English
Modern English
wistful
“Describing a deep emotional longing or desire, tinged with sadness.”