What is the Latin word for wistful?

The usual Latin words for “wistful” are sevērus, gravis, incendō. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

English → Latin

“wistful” in Latin

sevērussevere, serious, strict, stern, stringent, austere, harsh, grave (in demeanor)gravisheavy; pregnant; troublesome, hard incendōto set on fire, burn, kindle; to heat, make hot, scorch; to light up with fire, make a fire upon

Riddle & Arnold A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon, 1864

wistful

severus: gravis (earnest): plenus desiderii: desiderio flagrans, incensus (longing).

Quick answer

What is the Latin word for wistful?: The usual Latin words for “wistful” are sevērus, gravis, incendō. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

Entry from J. E. Riddle & T. K. Arnold, A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon (rev. C. Anthon, New York: Harper, 1864), digitised by Fergus J. P. Walsh, CC BY-SA 4.0; Latin markup adapted by latindictionary.co.