adj
pensive
PEHN-sihv
Pensive (adj) means Deep in thought, often in a quiet or serious way. Example: “She stared out the window with a pensive expression, lost in memories.”
adj
1
Deep in thought, often in a quiet or serious way.
"She stared out the window with a pensive expression, lost in memories."
"He fell into a pensive silence after hearing the news."
"He sat in pensive silence, weighing his options carefully."
How to use pensive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThoughtful in a serious, sometimes sad or wistful way.
Common pairings
a pensive mood
pensive silence
look pensive
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more pensive
- Superlative
- most pensive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She stared out the window with a _____ expression, lost in memories.
Etymology
From Old French pensif, "thoughtful," from penser, "to think" (from Latin pēnsāre).
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for pensive
See all rhymes for pensive →Frequently asked questions
What does “pensive” mean?
The word “pensive” means deep in thought, often in a quiet or serious way. In plain terms, thoughtful in a serious, sometimes sad or wistful way.
How do you pronounce “pensive”?
“Pensive” is pronounced PEHN-sihv (/ˈpɛn(t).sɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “pensive” in a sentence?
Here is “pensive” used in a sentence: “She stared out the window with a pensive expression, lost in memories.”
What is another word for “pensive”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pensive” include contemplative, meditative, reflective, thoughtful and wistful.
What is the opposite of “pensive”?
The opposite of “pensive” — its antonyms — are carefree, thoughtless and unreflective.
What part of speech is “pensive”?
“Pensive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “pensive” come from?
The word “pensive” comes from Latin. From Old French pensif, "thoughtful," from penser, "to think" (from Latin pēnsāre).
