The meaning of PENSIVE is musingly or dreamily thoughtful. How to use pensive in a sentence.

PENSIVE definition: 1. thinking in a quiet way, often with a serious expression on your face: 2. thinking in a quiet…. Learn more.

Definition of pensive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

If you are pensive, you are thinking deeply about something, especially something that worries you slightly. He looked suddenly sombre, pensive.

1. Engaged in deep and serious thought. 2. Showing or expressing deep, often melancholy thought: a pensive look.

There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the word pensive, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

PENSIVE definition: dreamily or wistfully thoughtful. See examples of pensive used in a sentence.

Jan 20, 2026 · Adjective pensive (comparative more pensive, superlative most pensive) Engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought.

Pensive is an adjective that describes a state of being deeply or seriously thoughtful, often with a tinge of sadness or melancholy. It can also refer to someone who is contemplative, reflective, …

pensive (adjective) pensive / ˈ pɛnsɪv/ adjective Britannica Dictionary definition of PENSIVE [more pensive; most pensive] : quietly sad or thoughtful