pensive

The definition of pensive is feeling sad while deep in thought.

(adjective)

An example of pensive is how one feels after reading a depressing novel.

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See pensive in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. thinking deeply or seriously, often of sad or melancholy things
  2. expressing deep thoughtfulness, often with some sadness

Origin: ME pensif < OFr < penser, to think, reflect < L pensare, to weigh, consider, freq. of pendere, to ponder, weigh, hang: see pendant

Related Forms:

See pensive in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Deeply, often wistfully or dreamily thoughtful.
  2. Suggestive or expressive of melancholy thoughtfulness.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English pensif

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from penser, to think

Origin: , from Latin pēnsāre

Origin: , frequentative of pendere, to weigh; see (s)pen- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • penˈsive·ly adverb
  • penˈsive·ness noun

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