Definition and meaning of English word "hope"
hope
/hoʊp/
Meaning
VerbTo want (something) to happen, with a sense of expectation that it might.
How to use
In English, 'hope' is often used in the present simple tense to express a sense of expectation or optimism about a future event. For example, 'I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow' implies a desire for a specific outcome. However, learners often confuse 'hope' with 'wish', which is used to express a desire for something to happen, but with a sense of doubt or uncertainty. For instance, 'I wish it would rain tomorrow' implies a desire for rain, but with a sense of uncertainty about its likelihood.
🇬🇧 English
hope
Example
I have hope that it will rain soon.
She has hope for a better future.
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- hope for the best— to have a positive attitude and expect a good outcome
- hope against hope— to have a faint glimmer of hope, often in a desperate situation
- hope springs eternal— a phrase used to describe the human tendency to maintain hope, even in difficult circumstances
- hope to— to express a desire or expectation about something
- hope against— to express a desire or expectation about something, often in a negative context
More Extended Verbs words
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #109 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "hope" mean?▼
The English word "hope" means "hope" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "hope"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "hope" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "hope"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "I have hope that it will rain soon." (which translates as "hope").
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