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Hope Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hope

[həʊp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

Synonyms

aspiration, desire, expectation.

Examples of usage

  • He looked through her belongings in the hope of coming across some information
  • The hope of a cure for the disease
Context #2 | Verb

expectation

Want something to happen or be the case.

Synonyms

anticipate, expect, wish.

Examples of usage

  • He's hoping for an offer of compensation
  • She had hoped that her father would be at the station to meet her

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'hope' comes from the Old English 'hopian,' meaning 'to wish' or 'to expect.'
  • In ancient cultures, hope was often personified as a deity, representing a guiding force during difficult times.

Psychology

  • Research shows that having hope can improve mental well-being and resilience in facing challenges.
  • Hope is considered a key factor in goal-setting theories, helping individuals remain motivated to reach their objectives.

Literature

  • Hope is a central theme in many classic novels, such as 'The Shawshank Redemption,' symbolizing freedom and perseverance.
  • Famous poets often capture the essence of hope, with Emily Dickinson writing, 'Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.'

Pop Culture

  • Songs like 'I Will Survive' and 'Fight Song' resonate with themes of hope and overcoming adversity.
  • In the Star Wars franchise, the phrase 'May the Force be with you' embodies hope and perseverance in the face of evil.

Science

  • Studies in positive psychology indicate that hope can lead to improved physical health, fostering better immune function.
  • Animal behaviorists have observed that many species exhibit hopeful tendencies when anticipating food or safety, suggesting an instinctual drive for future possibilities.

Origin of 'hope'

The word 'hope' originated from the Old English word 'hopa', which means 'expectation of something desired'. The concept of hope has been present in human culture for centuries, often associated with positive emotions and a belief in a better future. Throughout history, hope has been a driving force behind human resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges.

See also: hopeful, hopefully, hopefulness, hopefuls, hopeless, hopelessly, hopelessness, hoping.

Word Frequency Rank

At #676 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.