ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›P›pensive
ISEE/SSATmedium
pensive
engaged in deep, serious thought
Synonyms
- thoughtful
- reflective
- contemplative
Antonyms
- unreflective
pensive in a sentence
She had a pensive look as she stared out the window.
She had a pensive look as she stared out the window.
Where it comes from
From Latin pensare 'to weigh, consider'
Memory hook
PENSIVE = using the PEN of thought in your mind.
Word parts
- -ive — turns a verb or root into an adjective meaning tending to, able to, or serving to do it
pensive: pens- (weigh or think) + -ive (tending to)
Read it in context
- Signals at the Table Social Science