Wish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wish

[wɪʃ ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wish	Used for expressing a desire for something to happen, often in a polite, hopeful, or formal context. I wish you a happy birthday I wish I could travel the world
desire	Used for expressing a strong feeling of wanting something or someone, often with an implication of long-term or deep yearning. He has a desire to succeed in his career She desires a life filled with love and happiness
hope	Used when expressing a wish for something to happen, generally with a positive and optimistic connotation. I hope we win the game She hopes to get into her dream college
long for	Used when expressing a strong, often emotional, desire for something that feels out of reach or that has been absent for a long time. After years abroad, he longs for home She longs for the days of her childhood
crave	Used when referring to a strong, often physical, desire for something, particularly food or certain experiences. I crave chocolate cake She craves adventure and new experiences
yearn for	Used when expressing a deep emotional desire, often with a sense of sadness or pain attached to it. He yearns for the love he lost She yearns to be free from her troubles

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wish	Used for expressing a want or hope for something that may be unlikely or impossible. I wish I could fly. She made a wish when she saw a shooting star.
desire	Used for a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen. He has a strong desire to learn new languages. Her desire for adventure led her to travel the world.
hope	Used when expressing a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen. I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow. She has high hopes of winning the competition.
dream	Used to describe a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep, or a cherished ideal, goal, or aspiration that one might hope to achieve. I had a strange dream last night. Her dream is to open her own bakery.
aspiration	Used to describe a hope or ambition of achieving something great or significant in the long term. His aspiration to write a novel took years of dedication. She has aspirations of becoming a leader in her field.
ambition	Used when talking about a strong desire to achieve something, typically requiring hard work and determination. Her ambition is to become a doctor. He has the ambition to climb the highest mountains.

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

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

Wishing well scenes are a popular trope in fairy tales, where characters throw coins to grant their wishes.
Many songs, like 'I Wish' by Stevie Wonder, express the deep emotions tied to longing and desire.

Psychology

Research shows that making a wish can activate positive thinking and enhance feelings of hope.
Wishes can reflect our innermost desires, often revealing what we value most in life.

Philosophy

Philosophers have often debated the nature of wishes as they relate to personal freedom and the essence of human desire.
The concept of wishing touches on the idea of the 'wishful thinker', who believes in a better future despite present challenges.

Literature

Wishes often serve as pivotal plot devices in literature, leading characters on quests or journeys for fulfillment.
Famous stories like 'Aladdin' revolve around the granting of wishes, showcasing the balance between desire and consequence.

Origin of 'wish'

Main points about word origin

The word 'wish' comes from the Old English word 'wyscan', which means to desire or want.
In medieval times, the word was often linked with magic and folklore, where wishes were made upon stars or through incantations.

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.

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.

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965 cover
966 chief
967 student
968 wish
969 principles
970 containing
971 essential
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