Pensive

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈpÉ›n.sɪv/

Origin

From French pensif ("thoughtful"), from the verb penser ("to think") by adding suffix -if (English -ive), from Latin pēnsō.

Full definition of pensive

Adjective

1. Having the appearance of deep, often melancholic, thinking.
2. 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

Derived terms

• pensively
• pensiveness

Anagrams

• vespine