wistful or melandcholy?

cooliegirly · Fri Aug 10, 2007 11:58 am *wistful or melandcholy?*

what's the difference between "wistful" and "melancholy"?

Yankee · Fri Aug 10, 2007 12:14 pm *wistful or melandcholy?*

Hi CG

To me, melancholy would be more generally depressed or sad than wistful. Wistful also seems more focused (i.e. a longing or yearning for something specific).
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_________________
Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

cooliegirly · Fri Aug 10, 2007 13:23 pm *wistful or melandcholy?*

Can yearning for youth be considered wistful?

Yankee · Fri Aug 10, 2007 13:45 pm *wistful or melandcholy?*

Hi CG

Yes, I'd say that would be fine.
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_________________
Amy
.
ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

cooliegirly · Fri Aug 10, 2007 14:12 pm *wistful or melandcholy?*

Ah, thanks!

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