hope
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈəʊp/
US
- /ˈhoʊp/
Description
- belief in a positive outcome
- expectation
- optimistic desire
- trust in the future
Hope is not just wishing for something good. It is the feeling that good things can still happen, even when life is hard. It is the small spark that helps you keep going when things are difficult. A sailor lost at sea might hope for land, a student might hope for a high grade, and a gardener might hope their seeds will sprout. This feeling can seem fragile, like a candle in the wind, but it can also stay alive for a long time. Think of the saying, "Where there's life, there's hope." It means that as long as we are alive, the chance of a better tomorrow is still there.
Hope is a human feeling that combines desire with the belief that something good may happen. It is not simply wanting something; it is believing in the possibility of a good result, even when things look uncertain. This belief can be a strong source of energy, helping people move through hard times and keep going.
It appears in many ways. It can be a quiet inner feeling, a sense that things may work out in the end, or it can show itself in action, like encouraging someone who is struggling or working steadily toward an important goal. We often speak of "hoping for" something specific: hoping for good weather, hoping for a cure, or hoping for peace.
Across history and culture, hope has been a central theme in literature, religion, and art. In the story of Pandora's Box, hope remained after all the world's evils were released. In many religious teachings, it is linked to faith and renewal. It is often shown as a basic human need. It is not always about big dreams; sometimes it is simply the wish and belief that one can get through a difficult day.
However, hope is not always passive; it is often tied to action. "False hope" means an unrealistic expectation that may lead to disappointment, while being "hopeful" suggests a positive state of mind that can lead to effort and persistence. In the end, hope is a vital part of human life, guiding people toward better futures even in dark times.
Examples
- 1
Kind wish
I hope you feel better soon.
- 2
Future plans
She hopes to study abroad next year.
- 3
Weather plans
We're hoping for good weather this weekend.
- 4
Short answer
"Do you think they'll win?" "I hope so."
Phrase
I hope so
used when you want that to be true
- 5
Polite request
I was hoping you could help me with this form.
Usage
I was hoping ...
a polite way to ask for something
- 6
Missing pet
There is still hope that the missing dog will be found.
- 7
Discouragement
After months of bad news, he was starting to lose hope.
Phrase
lose hope
stop believing that things will improve
- 8
Last chance
Our only hope is to catch the last train.
Phrase
our only hope
the only possible way to succeed
- 9
Work plans
They moved to the city in the hope of finding better work.
Pattern
in the hope of + -ing/noun
because you hope something will happen
- 10
Uncertain outcome
We can only wait and hope for the best.
Phrase
hope for the best
stay positive when the result is uncertain
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- hopenounverb
Forms
- hoping-ing formverbnoun
- hopespluralnounverb
- hopedpast tenseverbnoun