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hope

A1
Very common

Pronunciation

UK

  • /hˈəʊp/

US

  • /ˈhoʊp/

Meanings

Noun

  1. a feeling that something wanted may happen

  2. a person or thing that may bring success or help

  3. a theological virtue of trust in divine salvation

Verb

  1. to want and expect something good to happen

Beyond the definition

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.

Examples

  1. 1

    Kind wish

    I hope you feel better soon.

  2. 2

    Future plans

    She hopes to study abroad next year.

  3. 3

    Weather plans

    We're hoping for good weather this weekend.

  4. 4

    Short answer

    "Do you think they'll win?" "I hope so."

    • PhraseI hope so

      used when you want that to be true

More examples
  1. 5

    Polite request

    I was hoping you could help me with this form.

    • UsageI was hoping ...

      a polite way to ask for something

  2. 6

    Missing pet

    There is still hope that the missing dog will be found.

  3. 7

    Discouragement

    After months of bad news, he was starting to lose hope.

    • Phraselose hope

      stop believing that things will improve

  4. 8

    Last chance

    Our only hope is to catch the last train.

    • Phraseour only hope

      the only possible way to succeed

  5. 9

    Work plans

    They moved to the city in the hope of finding better work.

    • Patternin the hope of + -ing/noun

      because you hope something will happen

  6. 10

    Uncertain outcome

    We can only wait and hope for the best.

    • Phrasehope for the best

      stay positive when the result is uncertain

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • have hope
  • give someone hope
  • lose hope
  • a glimmer of hope

Word family

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Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • hopenounverb

Forms

  • hoping-ing formverbnoun
  • hopespluralnounverb
  • hopedpast tenseverbnoun