Entry 2 senses Webster, 1913 Pensive /pĕn'-sĭv/ · Pen·sive · IPA /ˈpɛn(t).sɪv/ 01 a. Thoughtful, sober, or sad; employed in serious reflection; given to, or favorable to, earnest or melancholy musing. 1. Thoughtful, sober, or sad; employed in serious reflection; given to, or favorable to, earnest or melancholy musing. “The pensive secrecy of desert cell.” — Milton. “Anxious cares the pensive nymph oppressed.” — Pope. 2. Expressing or suggesting thoughtfulness with sadness; as, pensive numbers.