ˈpen(t)siv, -sēv also -səv adjective
Etymology: Middle English pensif, from Middle French, from penser to think (from Latin pensare to weigh, ponder, consider, from pensus, past participle of pendere to weigh, estimate, pay) + -if -ive — more at pendant
1. : absorbed or engrossed in or given to sober thoughtfulness ; especially : musingly or dreamily occupied with grave, mildly regretful, or melancholy meditations often with contriving or anxiety for the future
as she gazed at the view … she would grow pensive — Owen Wister
a pensive mood
2. : expressing or suggesting thoughtfulness with sadness
her face had the pensive mournfulness of a seraph in an old sad painting — Herman Wouk
3. : conducive or favorable to or fostering serious thoughtfulness or melancholy
• pen·sive·ly -sə̇vlē, -li adverb
• pen·sive·ness -sivnə̇s, -sēv- also -səv- noun -es