Late 16th century; earliest use found in Edward Hellowes (fl. 1574–1601), courtier and translator. From Spanish pensativo from pensar to think + -ativo.
Definition of pensative in US English:
pensative
adjectiveˈpɛnsətɪv
rare
Thoughtful, pensive, anxious.
Origin
Late 16th century; earliest use found in Edward Hellowes (fl. 1574–1601), courtier and translator. From Spanish pensativo from pensar to think + -ativo.