adjective
pensive
PEN-siv/ˈpensɪv/
Deep in thought, often with a serious or sad mood.
The woman sits on the bench with a pensive expression.
Etymology
The verb meaning “think” goes back to “weigh, consider,” connecting thought with weighing things mentally. Pensive combines this serious reflection with a sorrowful or melancholy mood.
In context
the minor sounds very serious and melancholic and pensive like you've lost something or someone
More examples
- His usually cheerful face had a pensive expression.
- The question left him quiet and pensive.
- A pensive silence followed the reading of the letter.
Forms
pensive · more pensive · most pensive
pensively adverb — in a quietly thoughtful manner
Similar words
- thoughtful
- Thoughtful is broad; pensive suggests quiet, serious, sometimes melancholy reflection.
- reflective
- Reflective considers things carefully; pensive often adds a visibly serious or wistful mood.