Meaning & Definition of word "Wishful"
Wishful
/ˈwɪʃfəl/
adjective:
- 1. Having or showing a longing or desire for something that may not happen.
- Example: Her wishful thinking led her to believe that she could win the lottery.
- 2. Characterized by or expressing hope or desire.
- Example: The wishful expressions on their faces revealed their dreams of a better future.
- 3. Not grounded in reality; based on fantasies or unrealistic expectations.
- Example: His wishful aspirations of becoming a star musician didn't align with his lack of practice.
Etymology
●The word 'wishful' is derived from 'wish' + the suffix '-ful', indicating a quality of having wishes or desires.
Common Phrases and Expressions
wishful thinking:
The practice of believing that something is possible even when it is unlikely.
wishful hopes:
Desires for outcomes that are improbable.
wishful dreams:
Dreams that reflect unrealistic aspirations.
Related Words
wish:
A desire or hope for something to happen.
dream:
A series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep.
hope:
A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
Slang Meanings of wishful
Meaning: Pie in the sky
● Example Sentence: His plans for a vacation are just pie in the sky; he's not going to afford it.
Meaning: Daydreamer
● Example Sentence: Don't be a daydreamer; focus on your studies instead of those wishful thoughts.