Hope
noun/həʊp/Hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for something good to happen in the future. It's also the specific thing you wish for. When you have hope, you believe that a positive outcome is possible, even when facing difficulties. It gives you a sense of optimism and motivation to keep going.
Hope is a powerful feeling that helps us look forward to the future. It's about believing that good things can happen, even when things are difficult now. It's that positive expectation that keeps us going and working towards our goals.
You might confuse 'hope' with 'wish'. While both involve desiring something, 'hope' usually carries a stronger sense of possibility and often involves some effort or belief that it *can* happen. A 'wish' can be for something impossible, like wishing you could fly, but 'hope' is usually for something achievable, even if challenging.
Is “hope” positive or negative?
“Hope” is a positive word — a compliment. Hope is almost always a positive word. It describes a feeling of optimism and belief in a good future, which is generally seen as a desirable and motivating emotion.
Hope in a sentence
- “I have high hopes for my new job.
- “She never lost hope, even during her long illness.
- “The doctor gave him some hope for a full recovery.
- “There's still hope that they'll find a solution to the problem.
- “His only hope was that someone would hear his call for help.
- “The charity provides hope to many struggling families in the community.
Common phrases with “hope”
Words similar to “hope” (and how they differ)
A desire for something, often less realistic or with less expectation of it happening than hope. It can be for something impossible.
“I wish I could fly, but I know that's just a fantasy.”
A belief that something *will* happen, often based on evidence or probability, rather than purely a strong desire. It can be neutral or negative.
“My expectation is that the train will arrive on time, as it usually does.”
A general positive outlook on life and future events; a personality trait of seeing the best in situations, whereas hope is a specific feeling about a particular outcome.
“Her natural optimism helped her maintain a positive attitude through tough times.”
A strong desire to achieve something great or important, often involving ambition and significant effort towards a goal.
“His aspiration is to become a world-renowned scientist and make a major discovery.”
A cherished ambition or ideal, often more personal, ambitious, or less immediately tangible than hope. It can also refer to actual dreams during sleep.
“Her dream is to open her own bakery and create unique pastries.”
Opposites of “hope”
Word family
This is the verb form of 'hope'. You 'hope for' something or 'hope that' something will happen, meaning you desire it and expect it to be possible.
Describes someone who feels hope, or a situation that gives hope and suggests a positive outcome.
The opposite of hopeful, meaning without hope; feeling or causing despair because there is no chance of success or improvement.
Used to express that you hope something will happen, or to describe an action done with a feeling of hope.
The noun form of 'hopeless', referring to the state or feeling of having no hope at all.
Where the word comes from
The word 'hope' comes from the Old English word 'hopa', which meant 'confidence, trust, or expectation'.
Frequently asked
Is 'hope' positive or negative?
'Hope' is overwhelmingly positive. It describes a feeling of optimism and belief that good things can happen in the future, even in difficult situations, making it a desirable emotion.
How do you use 'hope' in a sentence?
You can use 'hope' as a noun, for example: 'I have great hope for your success.' You can also use it as a verb: 'I hope you have a good day.' The verb form is very common.
What's the difference between 'hope' and 'wish'?
'Hope' implies a desire for something good that is possible and often involves some belief or effort. 'Wish' can be for something impossible or very unlikely, with less expectation of it actually happening.
Can 'hope' be used in a negative way?
While the feeling of hope itself is positive, you might hear phrases like 'false hope' (meaning hope based on something untrue) or 'faint hope' (meaning very little hope), but these refer to the *amount* or *validity* of hope, not the feeling itself being negative.
What is 'holding out hope'?
'Holding out hope' means continuing to believe that something good might still happen, even when the situation looks difficult or unlikely. It implies persistence in optimism despite challenges.
What does 'lose hope' mean?
To 'lose hope' means to stop believing that a positive outcome is possible. This often leads to feelings of despair, sadness, or giving up on a goal or situation.