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

Pensive definition: dreamily or wistfully thoughtful.. See examples of PENSIVE used 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.

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 (ˈpɛnsɪv) adj 1. deeply or seriously thoughtful, often with a tinge of sadness 2. expressing or suggesting pensiveness

If you're pensive, you might simply be thinking hard about something. Having no expression or maybe even frowning can be a result of being so engrossed in your thoughts — it might not …

Nov 16, 2025 · pensive (comparative more pensive, superlative most pensive) Engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought. He sat in pensive silence, weighing his options …

Synonyms for PENSIVE: melancholy, thoughtful, reflective, contemplative, somber, meditative, philosophical, ruminative; Antonyms of PENSIVE: unreflective, frivolous, flippant, goofy, …