Hope
/hoʊp/
Definitions
2 meaningsA feeling of optimism and anticipation for a desired outcome.
/hoʊp/
A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
I have hope that I will pass the test.
💡 Simply: It's like when you really, really wish for something to happen, and you believe it might! Like hoping for sunshine on a rainy day. It’s like keeping a little spark inside you that says, "Maybe, maybe!"
👶 For kids: When you want something to happen and you think it might!
More Examples
Her biggest hope was to travel the world.
Despite the bad news, he still held onto hope.
How It's Used
"She has a lot of hope for the future."
"Hope can be a powerful motivator."
To expect and want something to happen; to have a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen.
/hoʊp/
To want something to happen or be the case.
I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow.
💡 Simply: It's when you really *wish* something would happen, and you think it might. Like when you hope your favorite team wins the game! Think of it as sending a 'wish' out into the universe.
👶 For kids: To wish for something to happen.
More Examples
She hopes to get a promotion.
We hope to see you soon.
How It's Used
"I hope you have a good day."
"We can only hope for the best outcome."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Against all hope
Despite seemingly impossible odds; when the situation looks hopeless.
"Against all hope, the lost hikers were found alive."
Hope springs eternal
People always maintain hope, even in difficult times.
"Though they faced many challenges, hope springs eternal for the team."
To pin your hopes on
To rely on something or someone to bring about a desired outcome; to place all your expectations on.
"They're pinning their hopes on the new technology to improve their business."
From Middle English hopen, from Old English hopa ('hope, trust'). Related to Proto-Germanic *hupō ('hope').
The word 'hope' has been used in English since Old English times, consistently representing a positive expectation and desire.
Memory tip
Think of a rope: you're holding onto the rope of hope, believing you'll get to where you want to be.
Word Origin
"expectation of good"