Hoping: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you want something to happen, usually with some emotional investment but without certainty.

• I am hoping for good weather on our trip.
• She was hoping he would call her back.

Used when you desire something that is often unrealistic or out of your control.

• He is wishing for a million dollars.
• I am wishing we could meet again soon.

Used when you believe something will happen, often because of logical reasoning or evidence.

• She is expecting a package to arrive tomorrow.
• We are expecting a baby in December.

Used when you are looking forward to something with excitement or nervousness, especially if you have some expectation it will happen.

• They are anticipating the release of the new movie.
• We are anticipating a busy holiday season.

Used when you have a positive and optimistic feeling about something you want to happen.

• She is hoping to get a promotion at work.
• I am hoping for good weather this weekend.

Used when you believe or anticipate that something will happen, often used with a sense of certainty.

• She is expecting a baby in July.
• We are expecting a package to be delivered this afternoon.

Used to express a strong wish or longing for something. It can sometimes carry a more intense or passionate undertone.

• She is desiring a change in her career.
• He was desiring a life of adventure and excitement.

Often used in more formal or serious contexts when you are waiting for something to happen or someone to arrive.

• The company is awaiting approval from the board.
• He was awaiting his friend's arrival at the station.

Used when someone wants something to happen or be true, often without being sure if it will actually happen.

• She is hoping for a promotion at work.
• I'm hoping the weather will be nice for our trip.

Used when someone has a positive outlook and believes that good things will happen in the future.

• Despite the challenges, she maintained her optimism about the future.
• His optimism is infectious and motivates the entire team.

Used when someone believes or assumes that something will happen or be the case, often based on some kind of evidence or reasoning.

• The teacher has high expectations for her students.
• My expectation is that we will finish the project by Friday.

Used when someone desires something to happen or be true, without necessarily having any control over it. This can sometimes be seen as more whimsical or unattainable.

• I wish I could travel the world.
• She made a wish when she blew out the candles on her birthday cake.