Skip to content

What is another word for Pensive? – 168 Pensive Synonyms

    Need another word for Pensive? Use these synonyms of Pensive from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    contemplative reflective thoughtful melancholic brooding moody introspective solemn serious somber gloomy mournful sad sorrowful regretful disappointed disheartened depressed despairing hopeless dejected despondent morose sullen glum dreary dismal melancholy plaintive wistful nostalgic dreamy abstracted distracted preoccupied engrossed absorbed ruminative meditative philosophical profound sage wise discerning perceptive insightful intuitive.

    Meaning of Pensive

    The primary meaning of the word "pensive" is being deeply thinking and often sad or melancholic.

    Definitions

    • Having a thoughtful and often sad or melancholic disposition.
    • Engaged in deep and often melancholic thought.
    • Having or showing a serious and quiet thoughtful attitude.

    Etymology of Pensive

    The word "pensive" originates from the Old French word "pensif", which is derived from the verb "penser", meaning "to think".
    Historically, the word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe a person who is deeply engaged in thought, often with a sense of sadness or melancholy.

    Example Uses

    • She sat alone in the park, looking pensive as she stared out at the lake.
    • He had a pensive expression on his face, lost in thought as he wandered through the city.
    • The pensive mood of the music suited her melancholic state of mind.

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    cheerful happy joyful elated ecstatic thrilled delighted pleased satisfied content carefree lighthearted frivolous flippant superficial shallow vivacious lively energetic enthusiastic excited euphoric optimistic hopeful buoyant resilient irrepressible effervescent.

    Related Nouns

    thought reflection contemplation introspection melancholy sadness sorrow regret disappointment depression despair hopelessness dejection despondency moroseness sullenness gloom dreariness dismalness nostalgia wistfulness dreaminess abstraction distraction preoccupation absorption rumination meditation philosophy wisdom discernment perception insight intuition.

    Related Verbs

    think reflect contemplate introspect ponder muse brood ruminate meditate philosophize discern perceive insight intuit consider deliberate weigh analyze evaluate assess judge decide resolve conclude.

    Related Adjectives

    thoughtful reflective contemplative introspective melancholic sad sorrowful regretful disappointed disheartened depressed despairing hopeless dejected despondent morose sullen glum dreary dismal nostalgic wistful dreamy abstracted distracted preoccupied absorbed ruminative meditative philosophical wise discerning perceptive insightful intuitive.