hope
/həʊp/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A feeling that something good will happen, or that a problem will improve. It can also mean the thing you want and expect to happen.
- They still have hope of winning.
- There is hope for better weather tomorrow.
- My hope is to finish this course.
verb
To want something good to happen and think it may happen. It often shows a positive wish, even when you are not sure.
- I hope you feel better soon.
- We hope to see you again.
- She hopes for a quick reply.
Adinary Nuance
Hope is stronger than a simple wish because it usually includes some belief that the result is possible. It is softer and more uncertain than expectation, which sounds more confident. Compared with optimism, hope is more about one specific result, not a general attitude. In writing, hope often sounds warmer and more personal than expect or anticipate.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- hy vọng
- Spanish
- esperanza
- Chinese
- 希望
- Japanese
- 希望
- Korean
- 희망
Etymology
Hope comes from Old English hopian, which meant 'to expect or wish.' It has been used in English since early times.
Common phrases
full of hopea glimmer of hopehope for the bestlose hope
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between hope and wish?
- Hope usually means you think something good may happen. Wish is more about wanting something, even if it feels unlikely.
- Is hope a noun or a verb?
- Hope is both. As a noun, it means a feeling or expectation. As a verb, it means to want and expect something good.
- Can I say 'I am hoping' in English?
- Yes. It is common in speech and writing. It can sound polite and friendly.