pensive

From French pensif (“thoughtful”), from penser (“to think”) (from Latin pēnsō) + -if (English -ive).

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /ˈpɛn.sɪv/

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• Rhymes: -ɛnsɪv

pensive (comparative more pensive, superlative most pensive)

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, published 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.

• pensively
• pensiveness

• poise
• pansy
• peso

• vespine

pensive

1. feminine singular of pensif

pensive f

1. nominative/oblique feminine singular of pensif