Wishing: meaning, definitions and examples

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wishing

[ˈwɪʃɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

make a wish

The act of expressing a desire for something to happen or be done, typically in a form of a sentence starting with 'I wish'. Wishing is often associated with hope and optimism, as it reflects a belief in the possibility of desired outcomes.

Synonyms

desire, dream, hope.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wishing	Use this when someone is hoping for something, often in a very informal context, like making a wish during a special occasion or expressing a casual want. I am wishing for a new bike on my birthday. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
desire	This word fits more serious contexts and often indicates a strong feeling of wanting something, especially something that is hard to get. He felt a strong desire to travel the world. Her desire for success was evident in all her efforts.
hope	Best used when you want to express a feeling of positive expectation or looking forward to something improving or happening, usually more optimistic and realistic compared to a dream. I hope everything goes well with your exam. We hope for a sunny day tomorrow.
dream	Good for describing aspirations or long-term goals, often idealistic or hard-to-achieve, and can relate to both literal dreams during sleep and figurative dreams for the future. Her dream is to become a famous artist. He had a strange dream about flying.

Examples of usage

I made a wish upon a shooting star.
She blew out the candles on her birthday cake while making a wish.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

desire something to happen

To feel or express a strong desire or hope for something to happen or be true. Wishing can involve both conscious and subconscious thoughts, and it is often accompanied by feelings of longing or anticipation.

Synonyms

desire, hope, long for.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wishing	Used when expressing a simple want or hope for something, often casually or informally. I'm wishing for good weather on our trip. She was wishing for a new bike for her birthday.
desire	Stronger and deeper feeling of wanting something, often in a more emotional or passionate way. He has a strong desire to travel the world. Her desire for success drives her to work hard every day.
hope	Expresses expectation or belief in a positive outcome, often used for future possibilities. I hope you get well soon. We hope for peace and prosperity in the future.
long for	Used when someone has a deep, almost painful feeling of wanting something, often something they miss or cannot easily have. She longed for the days when they were together. After years abroad, he longed for his hometown.

Examples of usage

I am wishing for good luck on my exam.
She is wishing for a successful career in the future.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Old English 'wyscan', meaning 'to desire or long for'.
In the 14th century, it began to appear in literature expressing hopeful thoughts or dreams.
It shares roots with various Germanic languages, reflecting similar ideas of yearning or desiring.

Psychology

Wishing can be linked to positive visualization, a technique often used to boost motivation and goal attainment.
Studies show that expressing wishes can actually improve mood and reduce stress by providing a sense of hope.
People often make wishes during significant life events, such as blowing out birthday candles, linking the act to emotional experiences.

Cultural Significance

Many cultures have traditions surrounding wishing, such as throwing a coin in a fountain for good luck.
In folklore, wishes granted by magical beings often come with lessons, emphasizing caution in what one desires.
The phrase 'wish upon a star' comes from the belief that celestial bodies can influence our fate and dreams.

Literature

Wishing plays a central role in fairy tales, often as characters encounter magical beings who grant their desires.
In literature, the concept of wishing reflects deeper themes of aspiration and human longing, appearing in works from Shakespeare to modern novels.
Poets frequently use the motif of longing in their verses, equating wishes with dreams and visions of a better future.

Pop Culture

In contemporary films and music, wishes often symbolize hope, love, and the pursuit of dreams, resonating with audiences looking for inspiration.
Songs frequently mention wishing as a powerful emotional theme, highlighting the vulnerability of human desires.
Movies often depict characters making wishes that lead to unexpected adventures, underlining the idea that wishes can change lives.

Translations

Translations of the word "wishing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desejo

🇮🇳 इच्छा

🇩🇪 Wunsch

🇮🇩 keinginan

🇺🇦 побажання

🇵🇱 życzenie

🇯🇵 願い (negai)

🇫🇷 souhait

🇪🇸 deseo

🇹🇷 dilek

🇰🇷 바람 (balam)

🇸🇦 أمنية (umniya)

🇨🇿 přání

🇸🇰 želanie

🇨🇳 愿望 (yuànwàng)

🇸🇮 želja

🇮🇸 ósk

🇰🇿 тілек

🇬🇪 სურვილი (survili)

🇦🇿 arzu

🇲🇽 deseo

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,471 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6468 sewer
6469 waist
6470 rhetoric
6471 wishing
6472 evaporation
6473 responding
6474 reservations
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