Meaning & use
pensively
Last updated
In a way that shows one is deep in serious or wistful thought.
See it in a sentence
She stared pensively out the train window as the fields rolled by.
He stirred his coffee pensively, turning the decision over in his mind.
A note on using this word
Often carries a hint of quiet sadness or worry, not just ordinary thoughtfulness — a pensive look suggests something is weighing on the person's mind.
Words with a similar meaning
thoughtfullyreflectively
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
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