Wished Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
✨
wished
[wɪʃt ]
Definition
desire expressed
The word 'wished' is the past tense of 'wish,' which expresses a desire for something that is not the case. It is often used to convey longing or regret about a situation that is unattainable. When someone says they 'wished' for something, it indicates a hope or desire that could not be realized. This form can also express hypothetical situations, such as wishing for better circumstances or outcomes.
Synonyms
coveted, desired, longed, yearned.
Examples of usage
- I wished I could travel more.
- She wished for a better job.
- They wished they had arrived earlier.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Traditions
- Many cultures celebrate making wishes on special occasions, like blowing out birthday candles or tossing coins into a fountain.
- In some folklore, it's believed that if you wish on a falling star, your wish will come true.
- In Japan, people write wishes on wooden plaques called 'ema' and hang them at shrines.
Psychology
- Wishing can be a way to express desires that reflect our hopes and aspirations.
- Studies show that wishing often occurs when people feel a strong emotional pull towards achieving something.
- Making wishes can stimulate positive emotions, leading to improved mental health.
Literature
- Wishes are a common theme in fairy tales, often leading to adventures, misfortunes, or lessons learned, like in 'Aladdin.'
- In Shakespeare's play 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' characters frequently express their wishes, showing the contrast between dreams and reality.
- The concept of wishing is explored in various poems, symbolizing hope, longing, and the human experience.
Pop Culture
- Songs like 'I Wish' by Stevie Wonder express deep yearnings tied to personal experiences and dreams.
- Movies like 'The Wish Dragon' explore the idea of wishes coming to life through magical adventures.
- Wishing wells are a popular symbol in various movies and stories, often linked with magical or transformative experiences.
Origin of 'wished'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'wyssian,' meaning to wish or desire.
- It is related to the German word 'wünschen,' which also means to wish for something.
- Over time, the meaning has evolved to express not just desire, but also hopes and dreams.
The word 'wish' derives from the Old English 'wyssian,' which meant to wish or to desire, and has its roots in the Proto-Germanic '*wiskwōną.' Over the centuries, its meaning evolved, encompassing the sense of longing or hope for something that is not currently true. The transition of 'wish' into 'wished' signifies both the grammatical evolution of English as well as the cultural significance of expressing desires. The suffix '-ed' is a marker of the past tense in English verbs, indicating that the wishing has taken place at some previous time. Historically, 'wish' has been connected to broader themes of desire within literature and folklore, often expressing the intersection of aspiration and reality.