pensive
English
Etymology
From (deprecated template usage) [etyl] French pensif (“thoughtful”), from the verb penser (“to think”) by adding suffix -if (English -ive), from (deprecated template usage) [etyl] Latin pēnsō.
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 360: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈpɛn.sɪv/
Audio (US): (file) Audio (AU): (file)
Adjective
pensive (comparative more pensive, superlative most pensive)
- Having the appearance of deep, often melancholic, thinking.
- Looking thoughtful, especially from sadness.
- 1748. David Hume. Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of moral. London: Oxford University Press, 1973. § 4.
- Abstruse thought and profound researches I prohibit, and will severely punish, by the pensive melancholy which they introduce
- 1979, J.G. Ballard, The Unlimited Dream Company, chapter 21:
- Through the deep grass the faces of the three children glowed like pensive moons.
- 1748. David Hume. Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of moral. London: Oxford University Press, 1973. § 4.
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
having the appearance of thinking
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looking thoughtful or sad
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Anagrams
French
Adjective
pensive
Old French
Adjective
pensive f
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