Spanish word

pensativo

Pronunciation

IPA/pensaˈtiβo/

Meaning

  • adjectivedeep in thought

Example

Estoy pensativo.

I am deep in thought.

Illustration for pensativo (deep in thought)

More examples

Durante la reunión, su silencio parecía pensativo.

During the meeting, his silence seemed pensive.

Core concept

Person absorbed in quiet reflection.

Common phrases

  • estar pensativo

    be pensive

  • parecer pensativo

    seem pensive

  • mostrarse pensativo

    show a pensive air

Similar words

reflexivo: Inclination to ponder and weigh options carefully prior to deciding.
absorto: Engrossed in thought to the point of ignoring nearby people and noise.

Definition in Spanish

Que presenta recogimiento interior por reflexionar o meditar sobre algo, generalmente de forma temporal.

Word origin

Formed from pensar (from Latin pensare, itself from pendere 'to weigh') plus the adjective-forming suffix -tivo, indicating a tendency to think.

Usage tips

  • Typically used with estar to mark a temporary state (Estoy pensativo) rather than with ser for a permanent trait.

Other meanings

  • thoughtfuladjective

Opposites

  • despreocupadocarefreeadjective
  • frívolofrivolousadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word