Pronunciation: [pˈɛnsɪv] (IPA) 
The word "pensive" is spelled /ˈpɛnsɪv/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with the short E sound /ɛ/, as in "pen". The second syllable has a silent E at the end, but is pronounced with the short I sound /ɪ/, as in "sit". The stress is on the first syllable, so the word is pronounced PEN-siv. "Pensive" is an adjective that describes a person who is deep in thought or reflective.
Pensive is a term that describes a state of deep and often melancholic thoughtfulness or serious contemplation. The word originates from the Latin term "pendere," meaning "to weigh" or "to consider." When a person is in a pensive state, they are fully engaged in introspection, reflecting on their own thoughts, memories, or emotions.
Someone who is pensive appears to be lost in thought, as if mentally evaluating or analyzing something with great attentiveness. They may display a distant or dreamy expression, often characterized by lowered eyes or a furrowed brow. This contemplative state is frequently associated with a somber or reflective mood, as individuals in such a mindset often ponder profound or philosophical questions, personal concerns, or the complexities of life and existence.
Pensive is commonly used to describe someone who is deep in thought, reflecting on a particular issue or decision. Writers, poets, and artists often embrace this state of mind to achieve clarity or inspiration. Pensive can also refer to an atmosphere or setting that evokes a sense of introspection or thoughtful meditation.
Overall, pensive describes a mental state characterized by contemplation, meditation, or serious thoughtfulness. It suggests a certain depth of introspection and engages with the processes of reflection, analysis, and consideration in relation to one's own thoughts, emotions, or external subjects.
Weighing, pondering, or considering in the mind; thoughtful and sad, or melancholy.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "pensive" originated from the Old French term "pensif" (1300s), which came from the Latin word "pensare" meaning "to weigh, consider, ponder". The Latin word derived from the verb "pendere", which means "to hang, to weigh". Over time, "pensive" took on the meaning of deep or serious thought, contemplative, or reflective.
