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Wishful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wishful

[ˈwɪʃfəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

desire, hope

Wishful refers to having or showing a strong desire or hope for something that may be unlikely to happen. It often implies an element of daydreaming or unrealistic expectation. When someone is described as wishful, it suggests they are focusing on their desires rather than the reality of the situation. In many contexts, wishful thinking can lead to disappointment if not balanced with a sensible approach.

Synonyms

dreamy, fantastical, hopeful, idealistic.

Examples of usage

  • Her wishful thinking led her to believe that she would win the lottery.
  • With wishful eyes, he gazed at the distant mountains.
  • They made wishful plans for a vacation that they couldn't afford.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Wishful thinking can sometimes help individuals cope with difficult situations by fostering optimism.
  • However, excessive wishful thinking may lead to disappointment when reality doesn't align with expectations.
  • Research shows that people often engage in wishful thinking during uncertain events, such as hoping for a favorite sports team to win.

Literature

  • In literature, wishful thinking often appears as a theme where characters dream of better lives, reflecting human desires and aspirations.
  • Classic novels like 'The Great Gatsby' explore wishful themes, where characters yearn for unattainable goals.
  • Fairy tales are rich in wishful themes, often depicting magical wishes granting characters their heart's desire.

Pop Culture

  • Songs like 'Wishful Thinking' express themes of longing and hope, resonating with listeners' desires.
  • Wishful thinking is a common trope in movies, where characters hope for impossible scenarios to resolve conflicts.
  • The phrase 'wishful thinking' appears frequently in everyday language, often to describe unrealistic hopes or dreams.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated the implications of wishful thinking, considering its impact on decision-making and reality perception.
  • Some argue that while hope can motivate action, blind wishful thinking may lead to irrational choices.
  • Existential thinkers often suggest that wishful desires can distract from the necessity of accepting reality as it is.

Origin of 'wishful'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'wishful' is derived from Middle English, originating from the word 'wischen', which means to wish.
  • It combines 'wish' with the suffix '-ful', indicating abundance, meaning full of wishes.
  • The term has been used in English literature since at least the 19th century to describe dreams and hopes.

The word 'wishful' traces its origins to the Middle English term 'wischen,' which means 'to wish,' and the suffix '-ful,' denoting 'full of' or 'characterized by.' The combination of these elements reflects the idea of being full of wishes or desires. The usage of 'wishful' in its current form dates back to the late 19th century, evolving with the language to express notions of hope and aspiration. Over the years, 'wishful' has been used in various literary contexts, often to characterize characters or scenarios that are heavily invested in dream-like aspirations rather than real possibilities. Its connotation has developed to include an awareness of the impractical nature of such desires, giving it a slightly cautionary nuance in modern discourse.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,438, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.