Wish: meaning, definitions and examples

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wish

 

[ wɪʃ ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

wanting something to happen

To feel or express a strong desire or hope for something that is not easily attainable; to want something that cannot or probably will not happen.

Synonyms

crave, desire, hope, long for, yearn for

Examples of usage

  • I wish I could travel the world.
  • She wished for a better future for her children.
  • He wished he had studied harder for the exam.
  • They wished the rain would stop so they could go outside.
  • We all wish for peace in the world.
Context #2 | Noun

a desire or hope for something

A desire or hope for something to happen or be true.

Synonyms

ambition, aspiration, desire, dream, hope

Examples of usage

  • My wish is to be successful in my career.
  • She made a wish upon a shooting star.
  • His wish came true when he won the lottery.
  • I have a wish to travel to every continent.
  • Their wishes for a bright future were finally realized.

Translations

Translations of the word "wish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desejo

🇮🇳 इच्छा

🇩🇪 Wunsch

🇮🇩 keinginan

🇺🇦 бажання

🇵🇱 życzenie

🇯🇵 願望 (がんぼう)

🇫🇷 souhait

🇪🇸 deseo

🇹🇷 istek

🇰🇷 소원 (소원)

🇸🇦 رغبة

🇨🇿 přání

🇸🇰 želanie

🇨🇳 愿望 (yuànwàng)

🇸🇮 želja

🇮🇸 ósk

🇰🇿 тілек

🇬🇪 სურვილი

🇦🇿 arzu

🇲🇽 deseo

Etymology

The word 'wish' has its origins in Old English, derived from the word 'wýscan' meaning 'to wish.' Over time, the word evolved to encompass a range of meanings related to desire, hope, and aspiration. Wishing upon various objects or phenomena has been a part of human culture for centuries, often associated with superstitions and folklore. The concept of wishing reflects the universal human experience of yearning for something beyond immediate reach.

See also: wishes, wishing.

Word Frequency Rank

At #968 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.