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.

thinking deeply about something, especially because you are sad or worried. She sat with a pensive expression on her face. Definition of pensive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. …

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.

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

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 reflect a …

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

Pensive definition: Engaged in deep and serious thought.

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 carefully. Having …