wistfulness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wistfulness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of vague or regretful longing, often for something that is lost or unattainable. Example: "As she gazed at the old photographs, a sense of wistfulness washed over her, reminding her of the carefree days of her youth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lack's return might hint at a bit of wistfulness among NBC executives for the good old days, when all the network's major news shows were No 1 and corporate turnover was running at a lower RPM.

The Guardian

Like the robins and great tits that adjust their songs to city noises, they are urban survivors.But talk to many an inhabitant of today's big cities and you soon detect a rural background, and often a slight wistfulness with it.

The Economist

With a mixture of wistfulness and wonderment, Mr Gaddis notes: "When I talk about Stalin and Truman, even Reagan and Gorbachev, it could as easily be Napoleon, Caesar or Alexander the Great .It is partly in deference to a new generation that Mr Gaddis has decided to write a fresh and admirably concise history of the cold war.

The Economist

THE giants of the mining industry might be forgiven a little wistfulness.

The Economist

But manned space flight in America is now in mothballs, and in these dispirited times even the pride visitors take in the dam is mingled with wistfulness.

The Economist

His voice was hearty, befitting a man who cooked up steak-and-kidney pie, liked a pint and had the waistline to prove it; but with a note of Saturnine wistfulness, reflecting the dreamer who loved to watch the changing light of day through the variously coloured bottles of washing-up liquid on his kitchen window sill.Authority was expected of him, but only "sometimes".

The Economist

When she mentions that she will head back to St Petersburg in August, it is not without wistfulness.

The Economist

Although Schwitters resisted interpretations of his collages, it is hard not to perceive a certain wistfulness in a piece that combines steamship schedules and the label "Made in Britain".

The Economist

There is wistfulness at the loneliness of being the manager at United and the regret that Meulensteen and others did not call in on his office more often.

Independent

He added with a pang of wistfulness: "But it would be very weird to see someone else play him".

Independent

At the least, this suggests a terrific wistfulness among the potential travellers at having narrowly lost out on a time only just vanished beyond their grasp.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wistfulness" to subtly convey a sense of longing for something unattainable or lost, adding depth to your writing. For instance, describing a character's "wistfulness" towards their childhood home provides a nuanced emotional layer.

Common error

Avoid using "wistfulness" when "regret" is more appropriate. "Wistfulness" implies a gentle longing, while "regret" suggests sorrow over a specific action or inaction.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "wistfulness" is as a noun, representing the state or quality of being wistful. Ludwig AI confirms this aligns with common usage, depicting it as a state of longing or regretful thought, as seen in examples from news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wistfulness" is a noun that describes a state of gentle longing or regret. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "longing" or "nostalgia" exist, "wistfulness" offers a specific nuance of slightly melancholic yearning. When using "wistfulness", ensure it appropriately conveys a gentle, reflective sadness rather than a sharp sense of regret. This subtle distinction will enhance the emotional depth and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longing

Indicates a strong desire or craving, often for something unattainable.

nostalgia

Emphasizes a sentimental yearning for the past, often with positive associations.

yearning

Suggests a deep and persistent feeling of wanting something.

regret

Focuses on sorrow or remorse for past actions or events.

melancholy

Implies a thoughtful sadness, often without a specific cause.

pensive mood

Describes a state of deep and serious thought, often tinged with sadness.

rueful contemplation

Suggests a regretful yet thoughtful consideration of something.

a sense of loss

Directly conveys the feeling of having lost something important.

bittersweet sentiment

Combines elements of happiness and sadness, often when reflecting on past experiences.

mournful reflection

Focuses on a sorrowful and thoughtful remembrance.

FAQs

How can I use "wistfulness" in a sentence?

You can use "wistfulness" to describe a state of longing or a slightly sad yearning for something. For example: "There was a hint of "wistfulness" in her voice as she spoke about her childhood."

What's a good substitute for the word "wistfulness"?

Alternatives to "wistfulness" include "longing", "nostalgia", and "yearning". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wistfulness" a positive or negative emotion?

"Wistfulness" is generally considered a mild form of sadness or longing. It's not as intense as grief or despair, but it's not entirely positive either. It often involves a mix of pleasant and sad feelings when thinking about the past.

What is the difference between "wistfulness" and nostalgia?

While both "wistfulness" and "nostalgia" involve looking back at the past, "nostalgia" is often more focused on positive memories and a desire to return to those times. "Wistfulness" can include a sense of sadness or regret about what has been lost.