hoping and hopefulness

English translation unavailable for hoping and hopefulness.

dream

dream [noun] (HOPE)

Something that you want to happen very much but that is not very likely

/driːm/

Example:

It's always been my dream to have flying lessons.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

noun

1 pictures or events which happen in your mind when you are asleep:
I had a dream about school last night.

word building
A bad or frightening dream is called a nightmare.

2 something nice that you hope for:
His dream was to give up his job and live in the country.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

dream

I. dream¹ S2 W2 /driːm/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: adjective: dream, ↑dreamless, ↑dreamy; noun: ↑dream, ↑dreamer; verb: ↑dream; adverb: ↑dreamily]
[Language: Old English; Origin: dream 'noise, great happiness']
1. WHILE SLEEPING a series of thoughts, images, and feelings that you experience when you are asleep ⇨ daydream:
I had lots of dreams last night.
dream about
a dream about drowning
in a dream
In my dream I flew to a forest of enormous trees.
2. WISH a wish to do, be, or have something – used especially when this seems unlikely:
Her dream is to make a movie.
dream of (doing) something
She had dreams of university.
fulfil/realize a dream
I fulfilled a childhood dream when I became champion.
I have just met the man of my dreams (=the perfect man)!
beyond your wildest dreams (=better than anything you imagined or hoped for)
3. dream house/home/job etc something that seems perfect to someone:
I’ve finally found my dream house.
Win a dream holiday for two in San Francisco!
4. in a dream having a state of mind in which you do not notice or pay attention to things around you:
Ruth went about her tasks in a dream.
5. be a dream come true if something is a dream come true, it happens after you have wanted it to happen for a long time:
Marriage to her is a dream come true.
6. like a dream extremely well or effectively:
The plan worked like a dream.
7. be/live in a dream world to have ideas or hopes that are not correct or likely to happen:
If you think that all homeless people have it as easy as me, then you are living in a dream world.
8. be a dream be perfect or very desirable:
Her latest boyfriend is an absolute dream.
Some performers are a dream to work with; others are not.
sb’s dream (=something someone would really like)
She’s every adolescent schoolboy’s dream.
9. in your dreams spoken used to say in a rude way that something is not likely to happen:
‘I’m going to ask her to go out with me.’ ‘In your dreams!’
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 1)
■ verbs
▪ have a dream I had a dream about you last night.
■ adjectives
▪ a bad dream (=unpleasant or frightening) The movie gave the kids bad dreams.
▪ a strange/weird dream Sometimes I have a strange dream in which I try to speak but I can’t.
▪ a vivid dream (=very clear) In a vivid dream he saw a huge coloured bird flying above his head.
▪ a recurrent/recurring dream (=that you have many times) Having recurrent dreams is a very common experience.
■ phrases
▪ be/seem like a dream (=seem unreal) That summer was so wonderful it seemed like a dream.
▪ Sweet dreams! (=said to someone who is going to bed) Good night, Sam! Sweet dreams!
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ verbs
▪ have a dream/dreams I had dreams of becoming a doctor.
▪ achieve/fulfil/realize a dream (=do or get what you want) He had finally achieved his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal.
▪ pursue/follow a dream (=try to do or get what you want) She left her home town to pursue her dreams.
▪ dream a dream literary (=have a wish) We can dream great dreams for ourselves and others.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + dream
▪ big/great dreams (=a wish to achieve great things) She was a little girl with big dreams.
▪ an impossible dream (=about something that cannot happen) Having a number one record had seemed an impossible dream.
▪ a childhood dream (=that you had when you were a child) I had a childhood dream of becoming an astronaut.
▪ a lifelong dream (=that you have had all your life) His lifelong dream had been to write a novel.
▪ a distant dream (=that it will take a long time to achieve) Peace in this area may still be a distant dream.
■ phrases
▪ a dream comes true (=something you want happens) I’d always wanted to go to Africa and at last my dream came true.
▪ the man/woman/house etc of your dreams (=the perfect one for you) We can help you find the house of your dreams.
▪ not/never in your wildest dreams (=used to say that you had never expected something to happen) Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would win the competition.
▪ beyond your wildest dreams (=better or more than you ever hoped for) Suddenly he was wealthy beyond his wildest dreams.
• • •
THESAURUS
■ when you are sleeping
▪ dream the thoughts, images, and feelings that go through your mind while you are asleep: I had a strange dream last night -- you and I were in some sort of forest.
▪ nightmare a very unpleasant and frightening dream: She still has terrible nightmares about the accident.
▪ daydream a series of pleasant thoughts that go through your mind when you are awake, so that you do not notice what is happening around you: Neil was in a daydream, and didn’t hear the teacher call his name.
▪ reverie formal a state of imagining or thinking about pleasant things, that is like dreaming: The doorbell rang, shaking her from her reverie.
■ something that you want to do
▪ dream something very special that you want to do and that you think about a lot, especially something that is not very likely to happen: As a teenager, his dream was to become a professional footballer.
▪ ambition something that you want to achieve and that you work hard to achieve, especially in your work: My ambition had always been to start my own business.
▪ aspirations the important things that people want from their lives – used especially about the things a society or a large group of people wants: It’s important that young people think seriously about their career aspirations.
▪ fantasy something exciting that you imagine happening to you, which is extremely unlikely to happen and often involves sex: schoolboy fantasies
▪ pipe dream a dream that is impossible or is extremely unlikely to happen: Is world peace no more than a pipe dream?

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

dream

dream [dream dreams dreamed dreamt dreaming] noun, verb [driːm] [driːm]

noun
1. countable a series of images, events and feelings that happen in your mind while you are asleep
• I had a vivid dream about my old school.
• I thought someone came into the bedroom, but it was just a dream.
• ‘Goodnight. Sweet dreams.’
• Don't think about it. You'll only give yourself bad dreams.
compare nightmare

see also wet dream

2. countable a wish to have or be sth, especially one that seems difficult to achieve
• Her lifelong dream was to be a famous writer.
• He wanted to be rich but it was an impossible dream.
• If I win, it will be a dream come true.
• She tried to turn her dream of running her own business into reality.
• a dream car/house/job, etc.
• I've finally found the man of my dreams.
• a chance to fulfil a childhood dream
• It was the end of all my hopes and dreams.

see also pipe dream

3. singular a state of mind or a situation in which things do not seem real or part of normal life
• She walked around in a dream all day.

see also daydream

4. singular (informal) a beautiful or wonderful person or thing
• That meal was an absolute dream.
more at beyond your wildest dreams at wild _adj.
Word Origin:
Middle English: of Germanic origin, related to Dutch droom and German Traum, and probably also to Old English drēam ‘joy, music’.
Thesaurus:
dream noun C
1.
• I had a vivid dream about my old school.
nightmare • • hallucination • |especially written vision •
a dream/nightmare about sth
have (a) dream/nightmare/hallucinations/vision
a dream/vision fades
2. C
• Her lifelong dream was to be a famous writer.
ambition • • hope • • aspiration • • fantasy • • expectation • |especially written wish • • desire •
have (a/an) dream/ambition/aspirations/hopes/fantasy/expectations/wish/desire
harbour a/an dream/ambition/hope/fantasy/wish/desire
fulfil your dreams/ambitions/hopes/aspirations/fantasies/expectations/wishes/desires
abandon/give up a/an dream/ambition/hope
3. C
• She wandered round the house in a dream.
daydream • • daze • • trance • • stupor • |formal literary reverie •
be in a dream/daydream/daze/trance/stupor/reverie
be lost in a dream/daydream/reverie
Example Bank:
• After Betty retired, she and her husband designed and built their dream house.
• After Betty retired, she designed and built her dream house.
• At last I feel I'm living the dream.
• At last his dreams were fulfilled.
• Born a poor boy in Kansas, he lived the American dream as a successful inventor.
• He had a prophetic dream about a train crash the night before the disaster.
• He left his job to pursue his dream of opening a restaurant.
• He never abandoned his dream of finding his real mother.
• He put all his efforts into making his dream of a united country come true.
• He spent his life chasing pipe dreams= fantasies that are unlikely to come true.
• Her biggest dream was to become a singer.
• His plans to travel the world now seemed like a distant dream.
• His waking dream was rudely interrupted by the telephone.
• I had a very disturbing dream last night.
• I hardly ever remember my dreams.
• I hope my dream about prison won't come true!
• I was awoken from my dream by a knock at the door.
• Images of the crash still haunted his dreams years later.
• In her dream, she was on board a ship heading for America.
• Peace no longer seemed an impossible dream.
• She confided in him all her hopes and dreams.
• She fell asleep and dreamed strange dreams.
• She found herself standing in front of the crowded hall and making her speech, as if in a dream.
• She had this romantic dream of living in a windmill.
• She is plagued by strange dreams.
• She opened her eyes and the dream faded.
• The government is living in a dream world if they think voters will agree to higher taxes.
• The injury shattered her dream of running in the Olympics.
• The victory keeps San Marino's dream of a World Cup place alive.
• Their cruise in the Bahamas was a dream come true.
• Their dream turned into a nightmare as the cruise ship began to sink.
• They achieved a success beyond their wildest dreams.
• a child frightened by a bad dream
• a recurrent dream about being late for an exam
• her lifelong dream of swimming with dolphins
• the girl of his dreams
• the great utopian dream that they have cherished for so long
• the house of her dreams
• their dream of a fairer world
• vivid dreams that regularly haunted him
• ‘Good night. Sweet dreams.’
• I've finally found the man of my dreams.
• If I win it will be a dream come true.
• If he thinks it's easy to get a job he's living in a dream world.
• This is a chance to fulfil a childhood dream.
• What would be your dream job?
Idioms: go like a dream ▪ in your dreams ▪ like a bad dream

Derived: dream on ▪ dream something away ▪ dream something up

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

dream / driːm / noun [ C ] (SLEEP)

A2 a series of events or images that happen in your mind when you are sleeping:

a good/bad dream

a recurring dream

I had a very odd dream about you last night.

[ + that ] Paul had a dream that he won the lottery.

dream / driːm / noun [ C ] (HOPE)

B1 something that you want to happen very much but that is not very likely:

It's always been my dream to have flying lessons.

Winning all that money was a dream come true .

of your dreams the best that you can imagine:

Win the house of your dreams in our fantastic competition!

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

dream

[dri͟ːm]
♦♦
dreams, dreaming, dreamed, dreamt
(American English uses the form dreamed as the past tense and past participle. British English uses either dreamed or dreamt.)
1) N-COUNT A dream is an imaginary series of events that you experience in your mind while you are asleep.
  He had a dream about Claire...
  I had a dream that I was in an old study, surrounded by leather books.
2) VERB When you dream, you experience imaginary events in your mind while you are asleep.
  [V that] Ivor dreamed that he was on a bus...
  [V about/of n] She dreamed about her baby. [Also V]
3) N-COUNT: usu with supp You can refer to a situation or event as a dream if you often think about it because you would like it to happen.
  He had finally accomplished his dream of becoming a pilot...
  My dream is to have a house in the country...
  You can make that dream come true.
  Syn:
  ambition
4) VERB If you often think about something that you would very much like to happen or have, you can say that you dream of it.
  [V of/about n/-ing] As a schoolgirl, she had dreamed of becoming an actress...
  [V of/about n/-ing] For most of us, a brand new designer kitchen is something we can only dream about...
  [V that] I dream that my son will attend college and find a good job.
5) ADJ: ADJ n You can use dream to describe something that you think is ideal or perfect, especially if it is something that you thought you would never be able to have or experience.
  He had his dream house built on the banks of the river Bure.
  ...a dream holiday to Jamaica.
6) N-SING: poss N If you describe something as a particular person's dream, you think that it would be ideal for that person and that he or she would like it very much.
  Greece is said to be a botanist's dream...
  He's every girl's dream!
7) N-SING: a N If you say that something is a dream, you mean that it is wonderful. [INFORMAL]
8) N-COUNT: usu sing, with supp You can refer to a situation or event that does not seem real as a dream, especially if it is very strange or unpleasant.
  When the right woman comes along, this bad dream will be over.
9) VERB: with neg (emphasis) If you say that you would not dream of doing something, you are emphasizing that you would never do it because you think it is wrong or is not possible or suitable for you.
  [V of -ing/n] I wouldn't dream of making fun of you...
  [V of -ing/n] My sons would never dream of expecting their clothes to be ironed.
10) VERB: with brd-neg (emphasis) If you say that you never dreamed that something would happen, you are emphasizing that you did not think that it would happen because it seemed very unlikely.
  [V that] I never dreamed that I would be able to afford a home here...
  [V of n] Who could ever dream of a disaster like this?...
  I find life more charming and more astonishing than I'd ever dreamed.
11) → See also pipe dream, wet dream
12) PHRASE If you tell someone to dream on, you mean that something they are hoping for is unlikely to happen.
  `Perhaps one day I may go on a relaxing holiday.' - `Yeah, dream on.'
13) PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR If you say that you are in a dream, you mean that you do not concentrate properly on what you are doing because you are thinking about other things.
  All day long I moved in a dream, my body performing its duties automatically.
14) PHRASE: PHR after v If you say that someone does something like a dream, you think that they do it very well. If you say that something happens like a dream, you mean that it happens successfully without any problems.
  She cooked like a dream...
  His ship had sailed like a dream.
15) PHRASE: n PHR If you describe someone or something as the person or thing of your dreams, you mean that you consider them to be ideal or perfect.
  This could be the man of my dreams.
16) PHRASE: with brd-neg, PHR with cl (emphasis) If you say that you could not imagine a particular thing in your wildest dreams, you are emphasizing that you think it is extremely strange or unlikely.
  Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine there would be this kind of money in the game.
17) PHRASE: n PHR, PHR after v, v-link PHR (emphasis) If you describe something as being beyond your wildest dreams, you are emphasizing that it is better than you could have imagined or hoped for.
  She had already achieved success beyond her wildest dreams.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹dream /ˈdriːm/ noun, pl dreams
1 [count] : a series of thoughts, visions, or feelings that happen during sleep
• He had a dream about climbing a mountain.
• You were in my dream last night.
• Scary movies always give me bad dreams. [=nightmares]
• “Good night, my love. Sweet dreams.” [=I hope you will sleep well and have pleasant dreams]
- see also wet dream
2 [count] : an idea or vision that is created in your imagination and that is not real
• She indulged in dreams [=fantasies] of living in a palace.
• I've found the man/woman of my dreams.
• They succeeded beyond their wildest dreams.
• Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would be so much fun.
• If you think the work will be easy, you're living in a dream world.
3 a [count] : something that you have wanted very much to do, be, or have for a long time
• He has had a lifelong dream of becoming an actor.
• It's a dream of mine to own a house in the country.
• Tell me your hopes and dreams.
• She followed/fulfilled her dreams.
• Making it to the Olympics was a dream come true.
• Many believe that worldwide peace is an impossible dream.
- see also american dream, pipe dream
b [singular] : someone or something that has the qualities that a person wants most
• The meal was a garlic lover's dream.
• He's every woman's dream.
- usually used before another noun
• She's still trying to find her dream husband.
• Managing a professional baseball team is his dream job.
• They just moved into their dream home.
- see also dream team
4 [singular] informal : something that is beautiful, excellent, or pleasing
• It's a dream of a house.
• The new car is a dream to drive. = The new car drives like a dream.
• My new computer works like a dream. [=works very well]
5 [singular] : a state or condition in which you are not thinking about or aware of the real things that are around you
• He was walking around in a dream.
in your dreams informal
- used to say that you do not think something that another person wants or expects will ever happen
• “Maybe my parents will lend me the car tonight.” “In your dreams.”

American English

British English

hoping and hopefulness

B1 (Intermediate)

noun

look forward to sth

look forward to sth [verb]

to feel pleased and excited about something that is going to happen

/lʊk/

Example:

I look forward to seeing you again.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

look forward to something to wait for something with pleasure:
I'm looking forward to seeing you again.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

look forward to something phrasal verb
to be excited and pleased about something that is going to happen:
I’m really looking forward to our vacation.
look forward to doing something
My mother says she’s looking forward to meeting you.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

look forward to sth — phrasal verb with look / lʊk / verb

B1 to feel pleased and excited about something that is going to happen:

I'm really looking forward to my holiday.

[ + -ing verb ] She was looking forward to see ing the grandchildren again.

I'm not looking forward to Christmas this year.

B2 [ + -ing verb ] formal used at the end of a formal letter to say you hope to hear from or see someone soon, or that you expect something from them:

I look forward to hearing from you .

In the circumstances, I look forward to receiving your client's cheque for the sum of £570 within the next seven days.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

look forward to

1) PHRASAL VERB If you look forward to something that is going to happen, you want it to happen because you think you will enjoy it.
[V P P -ing/n] He was looking forward to working with the new Prime Minister.
2) PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is looking forward to something useful or positive, you mean they expect it to happen.
[V P P n] Motor traders are looking forward to a further increase in vehicle sales.

American English

British English

hoping and hopefulness

B1 (Intermediate)

look forward

phrasal verb

optimism

optimism [noun]

the quality of being full of hope and emphasizing the good parts of a situation, or a belief that something good will happen

/ˈɑːp.tə.mɪ.zəm/

/ˈɒp.tɪ.mɪ.zəm/

خوشبينى

Example:

I prefer optimism to pessimism.

من‌ خوشبينى‌ را به‌ بدبينى‌ ترجيح‌ مى‌دهم‌.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

optimism

noun (no plural)
the feeling that good things will happen opposite pessimism

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

optimism

op‧ti‧mis‧m /ˈɒptəmɪzəm, ˈɒptɪmɪzəm $ ˈɑːp-/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: optimisme, from Latin optimum; ⇨ ↑optimum]
a tendency to believe that good things will always happen OPP pessimism
grounds/cause/reason for optimism
Recent results must give some cause for optimism.
There are grounds for cautious optimism.
mood/sense of optimism
a new sense of optimism in the country
optimism (that)
There was optimism that an agreement could be reached.
optimism about
I don’t share his optimism about our chances of success.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adverbs
▪ great optimism The team was in a mood of great optimism.
▪ considerable optimism These figures indicate that we can go into next year with considerable optimism.
▪ cautious/guarded optimism (=the belief that a future situation will be good or better than before, although you cannot be not sure) The U.N. sees cause for cautious optimism in what has been achieved so far. | He expressed guarded optimism about the company's future.
▪ false optimism (=optimism based on wrong ideas or information) In his speech he warned against false optimism about the immediate future.
▪ initial/early optimism (=optimism that you feel at the start of a process, especially when it does not continue) There was initial optimism about a breakthrough in relations between the two countries.
▪ new/renewed optimism (=optimism that you start to feel again, after you stopped feeling it) The new leadership has brought renewed optimism.
■ verbs
▪ express optimism Diplomats expressed optimism about the progress of the talks.
▪ share somebody's optimism (=feel the optimism that someone else feels) After so many problems, I found it hard to share his optimism.
▪ optimism grows His optimism grew as the time came nearer for his release.
▪ optimism prevails/reigns (=optimism is the strongest feeling) Despite the crisis, optimism prevailed.
■ phrases
▪ be grounds/cause/reason for optimism The lower crime figures are certainly grounds for optimism.
▪ a mood/sense of optimism A mood of optimism prevails in the White House.
▪ a wave/surge of optimism (=a sudden strong feeling of optimism) The team are riding a wave of optimism after their recent victory.
▪ be (little/no) room for optimism (=have a possibility that things might get better) There is little room for optimism in the current financial situation.
▪ be full of optimism (=be feeling that good things will happen) The 1970s began full of optimism and confidence about world development .

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

optimism

op·ti·mism [ˈɒptɪmɪzəm] [ˈɑːptɪmɪzəm] noun uncountable ~ (about/for sth)
a feeling that good things will happen and that sth will be successful; the tendency to have this feeling
• optimism about/for the future
• We may now look forward with optimism.
• a mood of cautious optimism
• There are very real grounds for optimism.
• Both sides have expressed optimism about the chances of an early agreement.
Opp: pessimism
Word Origin:
[optimism] mid 18th cent.: from French optimisme, from Latin optimum ‘best thing’, neuter (used as a noun) of optimus ‘best’.
Example Bank:
• Despite the crisis a cautious optimism prevailed.
• Her optimism turned out to be misplaced.
• I find it hard to share his optimism.
• The 1970s began still full of optimism.
• The government expressed optimism about the success of the negotiations.
• The news caused a wave of optimism.
• There are now very real grounds for optimism.
• There was a note of optimism in his voice.
• We can look to the future with considerable optimism.
• When the 1970s began, we were still full of optimism.
• great optimism for the future
• renewed optimism among mortgage lenders
• He returned with renewed optimism about the future.

• Some people talked of a mood of cautious optimism.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

optimism / ˈɒp.tɪ.mɪ.z ə m / / ˈɑːp.tə- / noun [ U ]

C2 the quality of being full of hope and emphasizing the good parts of a situation, or a belief that something good will happen:

There was a note of optimism in his voice as he spoke about the company's future.

Judging from your exam results, I think you have cause/grounds/reason for cautious optimism about getting a university place.

→ Opposite pessimism

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

optimism

[ɒ̱ptɪmɪzəm]
N-UNCOUNT
Optimism is the feeling of being hopeful about the future or about the success of something in particular.
The Indian Prime Minister has expressed optimism about India's future relations with the USA.
...a mood of cautious optimism.
Syn:
confidence
Ant:
pessimism

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

optimism

op·ti·mism /ˈɑːptəˌmɪzəm/ noun [noncount] : a feeling or belief that good things will happen in the future : a feeling or belief that what you hope for will happen
• Both of them expressed optimism about the future of the town.
• The early sales reports are cause/reason/grounds for optimism.
• Most of us reacted to the news with cautious/guarded optimism. [=a feeling that something good may happen but will not definitely happen]
• There is growing optimism that the problem can be corrected.
• He maintains a sense of optimism, despite all that has happened.
- opposite pessimism

American English

British English

hoping and hopefulness

C2 (Proficient)

optimism

noun

positive

positive [adjective] (HOPEFUL)

/ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv/

/ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv/

Example:

a positive answer

full of hope and confidence, or giving cause for hope and confidence

Persian equivalent:

Click here.

Example:

a positive answer

Theme, CEFR level & Tags

Theme:

hoping and hopefulness

Level:

B1 (Intermediate)

Region:

American English

British English

Oxford Essential Dictionary

positive

adjective

1 thinking or talking about the good parts of a situation:
It's important to stay positive.
The teacher was very positive about my work.
opposite negative

2 completely certain same meaning sure:
Are you positive that you closed the door?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

positive

I. pos‧i‧tive¹ S2 W2 AC /ˈpɒzətɪv, ˈpɒzɪtɪv $ ˈpɑː-/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: positive; adverb: positively; adjective: ↑positive]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: positif, from Latin positivus, from positus; ⇨ position¹]
1. ATTITUDE if you are positive about things, you are hopeful and confident, and think about what is good in a situation rather than what is bad OPP negative
positive about
You’ve got to be more positive about your work.
positive attitude/approach/outlook etc
She’s got a really positive attitude to life.
the power of positive thinking
‘Think positive!’ she advised herself.
2. GOOD THING good or useful OPP negative:
At least something positive has come out of the situation.
Write down all the positive things about your life.
The rural environment was having a positive effect on the children’s health.
It’s been a very positive experience for her.
TV can be a positive influence.
the positive contribution to the community made by many older people
It’s been a difficult time but, on the positive side, I feel physically fine.
Women should be portrayed in a more positive light.
3. ACTION if you take positive action, you do something definite in order to try to achieve something:
We need to take positive steps to improve the situation of families in poverty.
Positive action was required.
It’s a relief to know that something positive is being done.
4. SUPPORT expressing support, agreement, or approval OPP negative
positive response/reaction
The response we’ve had from the public has been very positive.
We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from the people of this city.
positive about
Most people have been very positive about the show.
5. SURE [not before noun] very sure, with no doubt at all that something is right or true SYN certain
positive (that)
Are you absolutely positive you locked the door?
‘Are you sure about that?’ ‘Positive.’
6. SIGN showing that something is likely to succeed or improve:
The fact that he’s breathing on his own again is a positive sign.
7. PROOF positive proof/evidence/identification etc proof etc that shows that there is no doubt that something is true:
The witness made a positive identification.
8. SCIENTIFIC TEST showing signs of the medical condition or chemical that is being looked for OPP negative:
The test results came back positive.
athletes who had tested positive for banned substances
children who are HIV positive
9. EMPHASIS [only before noun] spoken used to emphasize how good or bad something is SYN total:
The journey was a positive nightmare.
10. NUMBER technical a positive number is more than zero OPP negative
11. ELECTRICITY technical having the type of electrical charge that is carried by ↑protons OPP negative:
a positive charge
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 1)
■ nouns
▪ a positive attitude/outlook Having a positive attitude makes life so much better.
▪ a positive approach This is just the positive approach that the school needs.
▪ a positive view He takes a fairly positive view of the future.
▪ a positive thought Think positive thoughts.
▪ positive thinking Many people believe that positive thinking can help your recovery from serious illnesses.
■ verbs
▪ think positive (=think positive thoughts) Cheer up and think positive.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ nouns
▪ a positive thing That's not a very positive thing to say.
▪ a positive aspect There are a lot of positive aspects to retirement.
▪ a positive effect/impact Exercise has a positive effect on health.
▪ a positive influence His mother was a strong positive influence.
▪ a positive contribution Most refugees are determined to make a positive contribution to their new country.
▪ a positive result/outcome We hope there will be a positive outcome to the talks.
▪ a positive experience Working here has been a very positive experience for me.
▪ a positive role model We should provide girls with more positive role models.
▪ a positive image It's important to promote a positive image of our industry to young people.
■ phrases
▪ see/present something in a positive light (=see or present something as good) If you spend a year travelling after school, employers often see this in a positive light. | The merger was presented to the world in a positive light.
▪ on the positive side (=used when saying what is good about something) On the positive side, the company’s financial condition remains strong.
II. positive² BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑positive; adverb: ↑positively; adjective: ↑positive]
a quality or feature that is good or useful OPP negative:
You can find positives in any situation.
Always emphasise the positive.
⇨ false positive

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

positive

posi·tive AW [positive positives] adjective, noun [ˈpɒzətɪv] [ˈpɑːzətɪv]

adjective

CONFIDENT
1. thinking about what is good in a situation; feeling confident and sure that sth good will happen
• a positive attitude/outlook
• the power of positive thought
• ~ (about sth) She tried to be more positive about her new job.
• On the positive side, profits have increased.
• The report ended on a positive note.

Opp: negative

EFFECTIVE/USEFUL

2. directed at dealing with sth or producing a successful result
• We must take positive steps to deal with the problem.
• It will require positive action by all in the industry.

Opp: negative

3. expressing agreement or support
• We've had a very positive response to the idea.

Opp: negative

4. good or useful
• to make a positive contribution to a discussion
• His family have been a very positive influence on him.
• Overseas investment has had a positive effect on exports.

Opp: negative

SURE/DEFINITE

5. not before noun (of a person) completely sure that sth is correct or true
• ~ (about sth) I can't be positive about what time it happened.
• ~ (that…) She was positive that he had been there.

• ‘Are you sure?’ ‘Positive.’

6. only before noun (informal) complete and definite
Syn: absolute
• He has a positive genius for upsetting people.

• It was a positive miracle that we survived.

7. giving clear and definite proof or information
Syn: conclusive
• We have no positive evidence that she was involved.

• (formal) This is proof positive that he stole the money.

SCIENTIFIC TEST

8. showing clear evidence that a particular substance or medical condition is present
• a positive pregnancy test
• The athlete tested positive for steroids.
• to be HIV positive

Opp: negative

NUMBER/QUANTITY

9. greater than zero

Opp: negative

ELECTRICITY

10. (technical) containing or producing the type of electricity that is carried by a proton
• a positive charge
• the positive terminal of a battery
Opp: negative
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from Old French positif, -ive or Latin positivus, from posit- ‘placed’, from the verb ponere. The original sense referred to laws as being formally ‘laid down’, which led to the sense ‘explicitly laid down and admitting no question’, hence ‘certain’.
Thesaurus:
positive adj.
1.
• She tried to be more positive about her new job.
optimistic • • hopeful • |especially business bullish • • upbeat •
Opp: negative
positive/optimistic/hopeful/bullish/upbeat about sth
a/an positive/optimistic/hopeful/bullish view
a/an positive/optimistic/bullish/upbeat mood/note
2.
• We got very positive feedback on the idea.
good • • approving • • appreciative • • complimentary • • glowing • |BrE favourable • |AmE favorable •
Opp: negative
positive/complimentary about sb/sth
a/an positive/good/approving/appreciative/complimentary/favourable comment
a positive/good/favourable opinion/impression/reaction/response
show sb/sth in a positive/good/favourable light
3.
• He made a positive contribution to the debate.
helpful • • valuable • • good • • constructive • • worthwhile • |BrE favourable • |AmE favorable • |formal beneficial •
Opp: negative
positive/helpful/valuable/good/constructive suggestions/advice
a positive/valuable/good/constructive/worthwhile/beneficial experience
a positive/good/constructive/beneficial effect
4. (especially spoken)
• ‘Are you sure?’ ‘Positive.’
sure • • certain • • convinced • • confident • • clear • • satisfied •
positive/sure/certain/convinced/confident/clear about sth
positive/sure/certain/convinced/confident/clear/satisfied that…
feel positive/sure/certain/convinced/confident/satisfied
5.
• We have no positive evidence that he was involved.
concrete • • absolute • • firm • • hard • • definite • • definitive • • final • • proven • |formal categorical •
positive/concrete/absolute/firm/hard/definite/definitive evidence
positive/concrete/absolute/firm/definite/definitive/final proof
Synonyms:
sure
confident • convinced • certain • positive • clear
These words all describe sb who knows without doubt that sth is true or will happen.
sure • [not before noun] without any doubt that you are right, that sth is true, that you will get sth or that sth will happen: ▪ ‘Is that John over there?’ ‘I'm not sure.’ ◊ ▪ Are you sure about that? ◊ ▪ England must win this game to be sure of qualifying.
Sure is often used in negative statements and questions, because there is some doubt or anxiety over the matter. If there is no doubt, people often say quite sure: ▪ I'm quite sure (that) I left my bag here ▪ (= I have no doubt about it) ▪.
confident • completely sure that sth will happen in the way that you want or expect: ▪ I'm quite confident that you'll get the job. ◊ ▪ The team feels confident of winning.
Confident is a stronger and more definite word than sure and is more often used in positive statements, when you feel no anxiety.
convinced • [not before noun] completely sure that sth is true or right, especially because the evidence seems to prove it or sb else has persuaded you to believe it: ▪ I'm convinced that she's innocent.
certain • [not usually before noun] sure that you are right or that sth is true: ▪ Are you absolutely certain about this?
sure or certain?
Like sure, certain is often used in negative statements and questions. It is slightly more formal than sure; sure is more frequent, especially in spoken English.
positive • [not before noun] (rather informal) completely sure that sth is true: ▪ She was positive that he'd been there. ◊ ▪ ‘Are you sure?’ ‘Positive.’
clear • (often used in negative statements and questions) having no doubt or confusion about sth: ▪ My memory isn't really clear on that point.
sure/confident/convinced/certain/positive/clear about sth
sure/confident/convinced/certain of sth
sure/confident/convinced/certain/positive/clear that…
sure/certain/clear who/what/how, etc.
to feel sure/confident/convinced/certain/positive
quite/absolutely/completely/fairly/pretty sure/confident/convinced/certain/positive/clear
not altogether sure/confident/convinced/certain/clear
Example Bank:
• He sounded very positive about his chances.
• He tested positive for HIV.
• He took a highly positive view of the matter.
• I'm absolutely positive it was him.
• She seemed fairly positive about it.
• The test proved positive.
• Friendlier relations between the countries had a positive effect on exports.
• I can't be positive about what time it happened.
• Local residents made a very positive contribution to the debate.
• Most of his remarks were positive, but there were a few criticisms.
• On the positive side, profits have increased.
• She was positive that he'd been there.
• The feedback from the public was very positive.
• Try to have a positive attitude.
• We got a very positive response to the idea.

• You should try to be a bit more positive about your students.

noun

GOOD QUALITY
1. countable, uncountable a good or useful quality or aspect
• Take your weaknesses and translate them into positives.

• To manage your way out of recession, accentuate the positive.

IN PHOTOGRAPHY

2. countable (technical) a developed film showing light and dark areas and colours as they actually were, especially one printed from a negative

RESULT OF TEST
3. countable the result of a test or an experiment that shows that a substance or condition is present
Opp: negative
Word Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French positif, -ive or Latin positivus, from posit- ‘placed’, from the verb ponere. The original sense referred to laws as being formally ‘laid down’, which led to the sense ‘explicitly laid down and admitting no question’, hence ‘certain’.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

positive / ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv / / ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv / adjective (HOPEFUL)

B1 full of hope and confidence, or giving cause for hope and confidence:

a positive attitude

On a more positive note, we're seeing signs that the housing market is picking up.

The past ten years have seen some very positive developments in East-West relations.

There was a very positive response to our new design - people seemed very pleased with it.

→ Opposite negative adjective (WITHOUT HOPE)

positiveness / -nəs / noun [ U ]

positive / ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv / / ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv / adjective (CERTAIN)

B2 certain and without any doubt:

[ + (that) ] Are you positive (that) you saw me switch the iron off?

"Are you sure it's okay for me to use your mother's car?" "Positive."

"It was him - I saw him take it." "Are you positive about that?"

positive / ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv / / ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv / adjective (TEST RESULTS)

C2 (of a medical test) showing that a person has the disease or condition for which they are being tested:

a positive pregnancy test

He's HIV positive.

She tested positive for hepatitis.

→ Opposite negative adjective (TEST RESULTS)

positive / ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv / / ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv / adjective [ before noun ] (COMPLETE)

(used to add force to an expression) complete:

Far from being a nuisance, she was a positive joy to have around.

positive / ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv / / ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv / adjective (ABOVE ZERO)

(of a number or amount) more than zero:

Two is a positive number.

→ Opposite negative adjective (BELOW ZERO)

positive / ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv / / ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv / adjective (ELECTRICITY)

being the type of electrical charge that is carried by protons

→ Opposite negative adjective (ELECTRICITY)

positive / ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv / / ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv / adjective (BLOOD TYPE)

having the rhesus factor in the blood:

My blood type is O positive.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

positive

[pɒ̱zɪtɪv]
♦♦
1) ADJ-GRADED: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ about n If you are positive about things, you are hopeful and confident, and think of the good aspects of a situation rather than the bad ones.
  Be positive about your future and get on with living a normal life...
  Her husband became much more positive and was soon back in full-time employment.
  ...a positive frame of mind.
  Syn:
  optimistic
  Ant:
  negative
  Derived words:
  positively ADV-GRADED ADV after v You really must try to start thinking positively.
2) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A positive fact, situation, or experience is pleasant and helpful to you in some way.
  The parting from his sister had a positive effect on John...
  Working abroad should be an exciting and positive experience for all concerned.
  Syn:
  constructive
  Ant:
  negative
N-SING: the N
The positive in a situation is the good and pleasant aspects of it. Work on the positive, creating beautiful, loving and fulfilling relationships.
3) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n If you make a positive decision or take positive action, you do something definite in order to deal with a task or problem.
  There are positive changes that should be implemented in the rearing of animals...
  He was expected to make a very positive contribution to the 1996 Games organisation...
  Having a good diet gives me a sense that I'm doing something positive and that I'm in control.
  Ant:
  negative
4) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A positive response to something indicates agreement, approval, or encouragement.
  There's been a positive response to the UN Secretary-General's recent peace efforts.
  Ant:
  negative
  Derived words:
  positively ADV ADV after v He responded positively and accepted the fee of ₤1000 I had offered.
5) ADJ-GRADED: v-link ADJ If you are positive about something, you are completely sure about it.
  I'm as positive as I can be about it...
  `She's never late. You sure she said eight?' - `Positive.'
  Syn:
  certain
6) ADJ: ADJ n Positive evidence gives definite proof of the truth or identity of something.
  There was no positive evidence that any birth defects had arisen as a result of Vitamin A intake.
  Syn:
  conclusive
  Derived words:
  positively ADV ADV with v He has positively identified the body as that of his wife.
7) ADJ If a medical or scientific test is positive, it shows that something has happened or is present.
HIV positive → see HIV
  If the test is positive, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed...
  He was stripped of his Olympic Hundred Metres gold medal after testing positive for steroids.
  Ant:
  negative
8) ADJ: ADJ n (emphasis) You can use positive to emphasize a noun. [OLD-FASHIONED]
→ See also positively
  Good day to you, Bernard! It's a positive delight to see you...
  He was in a positive fury...
  The man was being a positive embarrassment.
  Syn:
  real
9) ADJ: ADJ n A positive number is greater than zero.
  It's really a simple numbers game with negative and positive numbers.
  Ant:
  negative
10) ADJ: usu ADJ n If something has a positive electrical charge, it has the same charge as a proton and the opposite charge to an electron. [TECHNICAL]
  Ant:
  negative
  Derived words:
  positively ADV ADV adj The atom was pictured as a small positively charged core or nucleus.
11) proof positive → see proof

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹pos·i·tive /ˈpɑːzətɪv/ adj
1 [more ~; most ~] : good or useful
• Did you have a positive [=pleasant] experience working with that company?
• The book had a positive influence on me.
• He has been a positive role model for his brother.
• Nothing positive came out of that experience.
• What are some of the positive things about your job?
• The low unemployment rate is a positive sign for the economy.
• The company took positive steps to create a safer workplace.
- opposite negative
2 [more ~; most ~] : thinking about the good qualities of someone or something : thinking that a good result will happen : hopeful or optimistic
• You've got to have a positive attitude/outlook to do well in life.
• You should try to be more positive about the whole situation.
• On the positive side, you will be making more money.
• To end on a positive note, we are seeing an increase in sales this month.
- opposite negative
3 not used before a noun : completely certain or sure that something is correct or true
• We were positive that we would win the game.
• “That is the street we need to take.” “Are you sure?” “(I'm) Positive.”
• I'm not (absolutely) positive, but I think they won the World Series in 1954.
4 [more ~; most ~] : showing or expressing support, approval, or agreement
• Most of the response from the public has been positive [=favorable] so far.
• The reviews were mostly positive.
• positive feedback
• The new Web site has received a positive response from its visitors.
- opposite negative
5 : unable to be doubted : certainly true
• There is no positive [=definite, conclusive] proof that life exists on other planets.
• The police have not yet made a positive identification of the victim.
• The fact that the DNA samples did not match is proof positive that he is not the father.
6 : showing the presence of a particular germ, condition, or substance
• He tested positive for steroids. [=the test showed that he had used steroids]
• The test results were positive.
• HIV positive patients
- opposite negative
7 a mathematics : greater than zero
• a positive integer
- opposite negative
b : more than the amount of money spent or invested
• We got a positive return on our investment. [=we made a profit on our investment]
- opposite negative
8 technical
a : containing or producing electricity that is charged by a proton
• a positive charge/current
- opposite negative
b : having more protons than electrons
• a positive ion/particle
- opposite negative
9 always used before a noun informal : absolute or complete - used to make a statement more forceful
• The way poor people are treated in this country is a positive disgrace.

hope

hope [noun]

/hoʊp/

/həʊp/

something that you hope will happen

Persian equivalent:

Click here.

Theme, CEFR level & Tags

Theme:

hoping and hopefulness

Level:

B1 (Intermediate)

Region:

American English

British English

Oxford Essential Dictionary

hope

noun

1 (plural hopes) a feeling of wanting something to happen and thinking that it will:
There's little hope of finding survivors.
Don't give up hope; you may still pass.

2 (no plural) a person or thing that gives you hope:
Can you help me? You're my only hope.

verb (hopes, hoping, hoped )
to want something to happen or be true:
I hope that you have a nice holiday.
I hope to see you tomorrow.
She's hoping for a bike for her birthday.
'Do you think it will rain?' 'I hope not.'
'Will you be at the party?' 'I'm not sure – I hope so.'

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

Hope

I. Hope, Anthony BrE AmE
(1863–1933) a British writer known especially for his adventure novel The Prisoner of Zenda
II. Hope, Bob BrE AmE
(1903–2003) a US actor and ↑comedian, born in the UK, who appeared in many humorous films such as Road to Singapore (1940) and The Paleface (1948). He was known for his special style of humour, which was based on ↑one-liners (=very short, clever jokes), and for entertaining soldiers during wartime.

hope

I. hope¹ S1 W1 /həʊp $ hoʊp/ BrE AmE verb [intransitive and transitive]
[Word Family: noun: hope, hopefulness ≠ hopelessness, hopeful; verb: hope; adverb: hopefully ≠ hopelessly; adjective: hopeful ≠ hopeless]
[Language: Old English; Origin: hopian]
1. to want something to happen or be true and to believe that it is possible or likely
hope (that)
We hope that more women will decide to join the course.
I do hope everything goes well.
It was hoped that the job would be filled by a local person.
Let’s just hope someone finds her bag.
I hope to God I haven’t left the car window open.
hope to do something
Joan’s hoping to study law at Harvard.
hope for
We were hoping for good weather.
Liam decided to ignore the warning and just hope for the best (=hope that a situation will end well when there is a risk of things going wrong).
I rang my parents, hoping against hope (=hoping for something that is very unlikely to happen or be true) that they hadn’t left yet.
► Do not say that you ‘hope something would happen’. Say that you hope something will happen: I hope the weather will be nice (NOT I hope the weather would be nice).
2. I hope so spoken used to say that you hope something that has been mentioned happens or is true:
‘Do we get paid this week?’ ‘I certainly hope so!’
3. I hope not spoken used to say that you hope something that has been mentioned does not happen or is not true:
I don’t think I’m busy that day, or at least I hope not.
4. I’m hoping spoken used to say that you hope something will happen, especially because you are depending on it
I’m hoping (that)
I’m hoping the car will be fixed by Friday.
I’m hoping to do something
We were hoping to see you today.
5. I hope (that) spoken used when you want to be polite and to make sure that you are not interrupting or offending someone:
I hope I’m not interrupting you.
I hope you don’t mind me asking, but why are you moving?
6. I should hope so (too) (also I should hope not British English) spoken used to say that you feel very strongly that something should or should not happen:
‘They’ll get their money back.’ ‘I should hope so too, after being treated like that.’
II. hope² S2 W2 BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: noun: hope, hopefulness ≠ hopelessness, hopeful; verb: hope; adverb: hopefully ≠ hopelessly; adjective: hopeful ≠ hopeless]
1. FEELING [uncountable and countable] a feeling of wanting something to happen or be true and believing that it is possible or likely:
When I first arrived in New York, I was full of hope for the future.
the hope that
The President has expressed the hope that relations will improve.
hopes for something
hopes for an end to the fighting
hopes of doing something
Rita has hopes of studying to be a nurse.
in the hope that
Should they hang on in the hope that the shares will go up in value?
in the hope of doing something (=because you hope that you will do something)
Shoppers flocked to the sales in the hope of finding a bargain.
2. SOMETHING YOU HOPE FOR [countable] something that you hope will happen:
She told him all her secret hopes and fears.
sb’s hope is that
My hope is that by next summer I’ll have saved enough money to go travelling.
3. CHANCE [uncountable and countable] a chance of succeeding or of something good happening
hope of
It was the rush hour, and there was no hope of getting a seat.
It was a desperate plan, with little hope of success.
hope (that)
There’s still a faint hope (=a very small chance) that the two sides will reach an agreement.
not a hope! spoken (=used to say that there is no chance of something happening)
not a hope in hell (of doing something) spoken (=not even the smallest chance of success)
They don’t have a hope in hell of winning.
some hope! (also what a hope! )British English spoken (=used humorously to say that there is no chance that something will happen)
‘Your dad might lend you the car.’ ‘Some hope!’
4. be sb’s last/only/best hope to be someone’s last, only etc chance of getting the result they want:
Please help me. You’re my last hope.
be sb’s last/only/best hope of
Joshua’s only hope of survival was a heart transplant.
5. be beyond hope if a situation is beyond hope, it is so bad that there is no chance of any improvement
be beyond hope of
Some of the houses were beyond hope of repair.
6. have high/great hopes for somebody/something to be confident that someone or something will be succesful:
The weather looked good, so we had high hopes for today.
7. I/we live in hope spoken used when saying that you keep hoping that something will happen - often used humorously when saying that it seems unlikely:
"Do you think your son will ever get a job?" "We live in hope!"
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meanings 1 & 2)
■ verbs
▪ have hope The situation looked bad, but we still had hope that things would get better soon.
▪ give/offer hope The research has given hope to thousands of sufferers of the disease.
▪ lose/give up/abandon hope (=stop hoping) After so long without any word from David, Margaret was starting to lose hope.
▪ raise sb’s hopes (also get/build somebody's hopes up) (=make someone feel that what they want is likely to happen) I don't want to raise your hopes too much. | Don’t build your hopes up, Julie. You’ll only get hurt.
▪ hold out hope (=say that you think something is likely) Negotiators did not hold out much hope of a peaceful solution.
▪ pin your hopes on something (=hope for one thing that everything else depends on) After a difficult year, the company is pinning its hopes on its new range of products.
▪ cling to the hope that (=keep hoping that something will happen, even though it seems unlikely) They clung to the hope that one day a cure would be found.
▪ dash/shatter sb’s hopes (=make what someone wants seem impossible) The ending of the talks has dashed any hopes of peace.
▪ hopes are fading (=people have much less hope of doing something) Hopes are fading that rescuers will find any more survivors.
▪ hope lies in/with something (=something gives people hope) Our real hope lies with a vaccine.
■ phrases
▪ be full of hope His voice sounded full of hope.
▪ a glimmer/ray of hope (=a little hope, or something that gives you a little hope) The new treatment gives patients a glimmer of hope.
▪ sb’s hopes and dreams (=all the things someone hopes for) We talked about all our hopes and dreams for the future.
▪ sb’s hopes and fears (=all the things someone hopes for and is afraid of) The crew members have different hopes and fears about the trip.
▪ it is our fervent hope that formal (=used when saying that you hope very much that something will or will not happen) It is our fervent hope that change is coming.
▪ hope springs eternal (=used to say that people will always hope for something) It is unlikely these diets will work, but hope springs eternal.
▪ a symbol/beacon of hope (=something that makes people have hope) Mandela was a symbol of hope for his whole country.
■ adjectives
▪ false hope We don't want to give people false hopes.
▪ a vain/forlorn hope (=hope for something that is impossible) He traveled south in the vain hope of finding work.
▪ somebody's only/one hope My only hope is that someone may have handed in the keys to the police.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

hope

hope [hope hopes hoped hoping] verb, noun [həʊp] [hoʊp]

verb intransitive, transitive
to want sth to happen and think that it is possible
• ~ (for sth) We are hoping for good weather on Sunday.
• All we can do now is wait and hope.
• ‘Do you think it will rain?’ ‘ I hope not.’
• ‘Will you be back before dark?’ ‘ I hope so, yes.’
• The exam went better than I'd dared hope.
• I'll see you next week, I hope.
• ~ (that)… I hope (that) you're okay.
• I can only hope (that) there has been some mistake.
• Detectives are hoping (that) witnesses will come forward.
• Let's hope we can find a parking space.
• it is hoped (that)… It is hoped that over £10 000 will be raised.
• ~ to do sth She is hoping to win the gold medal.
• We hope to arrive around two.
• What had he hoped to achieve? Hope can be used in the passive in the form it is hoped that…. For must always be used with hope in other passive sentences
• The improvement that had been hoped for never came.
• The hoped-for improvement never came.
more at cross my heart (and hope to die) at cross
Verb forms:

Word Origin:
late Old English hopa (noun), hopian (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch hoop (noun), hopen (verb), and German hoffen (verb).
Thesaurus:
hope verb I, T
• We're hoping for good weather on Sunday.
wish • • aspire • • wait • • set your heart on sth • |especially journalism set your sights on sth •
Opp: despair of sth
hope/wish/wait for sth
hope/wish that…
hope/aspire/wait to do sth
Example Bank:
• He secretly hoped that she wouldn't be home.
• I hardly dared to hope the plan would succeed.
• I only hope you're right.
• I sincerely hope that you will be successful.
• They hoped desperately that their missing son would come home.
• We are hoping for good weather.
• ‘Do you think it will rain?’ ‘I hope not.’
• ‘Will you be back before dark?’ ‘I hope so, yes.’
• I can only hope there has been some mistake.
• Let's hope we can find a parking space.
• The exam went better than I'd dared hope.
• We're hoping for good weather on Sunday.

Idioms: I should hope so ▪ beyond hope ▪ hold out little hope ▪ hope against hope ▪ hope for the best ▪ hope springs eternal ▪ in the hope of something ▪ in the hope that … ▪ not have a hope ▪ not hold out any/much hope ▪ so I should hope ▪ some hope!

noun
1. uncountable, countable a belief that sth you want will happen
• ~ (of sth) There is now hope of a cure.
• ~ (for sb/sth) Hopes for the missing men are fading.
• ~ (that…) There is little hope that they will be found alive.
• ~ (of doing sth) They have given up hope of finding any more survivors.
• She has high hopes of winning (= is very confident about it).
• The future is not without hope.
• Don't raise your hopes too high, or you may be disappointed.
• I'll do what I can, but don't get your hopes up.
• There is still a glimmer of hope.

• The situation is not good but we live in hope that it will improve.

2. countable ~ (of/for sth) | ~ (for sb) | ~ (that…) | ~ (of doing sth) something that you wish for
• She told me all her hopes, dreams and fears.

• They have high hopes for their children.

3. countable, usually singular ~ (of sth) | ~ (for sb) a person, a thing or a situation that will help you get what you want
• He turned to her in despair and said, ‘You're my last hope.’
• The operation was Kelly's only hope of survival.
more at dash sb's hopes at dash _v., pin (all) your hopes on sb/sth at pin
Word Origin:
late Old English hopa (noun), hopian (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch hoop (noun), hopen (verb), and German hoffen (verb).
Thesaurus:
hope noun
1. U, C
• There is no hope of finding any more survivors.
optimism • • expectancy • • wishful thinking •
Opp: despair, Opp: hopelessness
hope/optimism for sth
hope/optimism that…
express/share your hope/optimism
2. C
• They have high hopes for their children.
dream • • ambition • • aspiration • • expectation • • fantasy •
Opp: fear
hopes/aspirations/expectations for sth
high hopes/ambitions/aspirations/expectations
have hopes/a dream/an ambition/aspirations/expectations/a fantasy
fulfil your hopes/dreams/ambitions/aspirations/expectations/fantasies
Example Bank:
• He had one last hope to cling to.
• He pinned all his hopes on getting that job.
• He represents our best hope for a swimming medal.
• He secretly cherished hopes that George would marry his daughter.
• He turned to her in despair and said, ‘You're my last hope.’
• He wasn't trying to give her false hope.
• Her dark eyes lit with sudden hope.
• Her hopes of going to college have now been dashed.
• Her only hope lay in escape.
• His early hopes of freedom were now gone.
• Hope faded after wrecked remains of the ship were washed onto the shore.
• Hope flared up inside her.
• Hope remains that survivors will be found.
• Hopes are high that a resolution to the conflict can be found.
• Hopes of a peaceful end to the strike are now growing.
• I am writing this letter in hopes that it will be forwarded to the editor.
• I am writing to you in the hope that you can help me obtain some information.
• I didn't give up hope of being released.
• I don't hold out much hope of finding a buyer.
• I have no hope of winning.
• I haven't yet found a flat, but I live in hope.
• I looked at her and felt a glimmer of hope.
• I'll see what I can do, but don't get your hopes up too much.
• It is important to keep alive the hope that a peace settlement might be found.
• It is my fervent hope that you will be able to take this project forward.
• It is my sincere hope that she will find happiness at last.
• It seemed a forlorn hope that we would find a taxi.
• Lord Mountbatten secretly cherished hopes that Charles would marry his granddaughter.
• Maybe we can find some hope for humanity after all.
• Our one hope was that the hurricane would change direction.
• Peace is a distant hope in this war-torn region.
• Political leaders do now entertain the hope that a settlement can be found.
• Privatization seems to offer the best hope for the industry.
• She felt weak and without hope.
• She is Britain's brightest hope for a medal.
• She saw little hope of meeting the targets.
• She told me all her hopes and dreams.
• The Mexican president expressed hope for cooperation on trade.
• The latest job figures have boosted hopes for the economy.
• The use of fish oil to treat cancer has brought fresh hope to millions of sufferers.
• Their main hopes rest on their new striker.
• There was still a faint hope that they would accept the offer.
• These figures kill off any lingering hopes of an early economic recovery.
• This announcement has raised hopes that the crisis may be coming to an end.
• We have every hope of completing the project this year.
• We have high hopes for the project.
• We now have good grounds for hope.
• We're trying to keep our hopes up.
• You don't have a hope in hell of finding a job.
• a bitter tale of disappointed hopes
• a feeling of considerable hope
• damaged beyond hope of repair
• keeping alive the hope that a peace settlement might be found
• the team's championship hopes
• the treatment gave him renewed hope
• without any real hope of success
• young people who are full of hope for the future
• Don't raise your hopes too high, or you may be disappointed.
• I'll do what I can, but don't get your hopes up.

• She has high hopes of winning.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

hope

hope /həʊp/ US /hoʊp/
noun [C or U]
something good that you want to happen in the future, or a confident feeling about what will happen in the future:
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
Is there any hope of getting financial support for the project?
[+ that] Is there any hope that they will be home in time?
Young people are growing up in our cities without any hope of finding a job.
His reply dashed (= destroyed) our hopes.
They have pinned (all) their hopes on (= They are depending for success on) their new player.
She's very ill, but there's still hope/we live in hope (= we think she might be cured).
The situation is now beyond/past hope (= unlikely to produce the desired result).
We never gave up hope (= stopped hoping) that she would be found alive.
The letter offered us a glimmer/ray of (= a little) hope.
I didn't phone till four o'clock in the hope that you'd be finished.
I don't hold out much hope of getting (= I don't expect to be able to get) a ticket.

hope /həʊp/ US /hoʊp/
verb [I or T]
to want something to happen or to be true, and usually have a good reason to think that it might:
I'm hoping for an interview next week.
[+ (that)] She's hoping (that) she won't be away too long.
I hope (that) she'll win.
We have to hope and pray (that) the operation will go well.
[+ to infinitive] They hope to visit us next year.
It's good news, I hope.
"Will you be at the meeting tomorrow?" "I hope not/so".
Compare wish (HOPE).

hopeful /ˈhəʊp.f^əl/ US /ˈhoʊp-/
adjective
1 having hope:
He was hopeful about the outcome of the meeting.
They were hopeful of a successful agreement.
I'm hopeful (that) we can reach a compromise.

2 giving hope:
The green shoots were hopeful signs of spring.

hopeful /ˈhəʊp.f^əl/ US /ˈhoʊp-/
noun [C usually plural]
a person who is trying to get a part in a film, play for a famous football team, etc:
Over a thousand young hopefuls went to the Theatre Royal today to audition for a part in the new musical.

hopefulness /ˈhəʊp.f^əl.nəs/ US /ˈhoʊp-/
noun [U]

hopefully /ˈhəʊp.f^əl.i/ US /ˈhoʊp-/
adverb
1 used, often at the start of a sentence, to express what you would like to happen:
Hopefully it won't rain.
Hopefully we'll be in Norwich by early evening.

2 in a hopeful way:
"Do you have a cigarette?" he asked hopefully.

hopeless /
adjective
1 without hope:
a hopeless situation
They searched for survivors but it was hopeless.
She was depressed and felt totally hopeless about the future.

2 completely without skill at a particular activity:
I'm hopeless at sports.
He's a hopeless cook.

hopelessly
adverb
extremely, or in a way that makes you lose hope:
They met at university and fell hopelessly in love.
We were hopelessly lost.

hopelessness
noun [U]
I find the hopelessness of the situation very depressing.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

hope

[ho͟ʊp]
♦
hopes, hoping, hoped
1) VERB If you hope that something is true, or you hope for something, you want it to be true or to happen, and you usually believe that it is possible or likely.
  She had decided she must go on as usual, follow her normal routine, and hope and pray...
  [V for n] He hesitates before leaving, almost as though he had been hoping for conversation...
  [V to-inf] I hope to get a job within the next two weeks...
  [V that] The researchers hope that such a vaccine could be available in about ten years' time...
  [V so/not] `We'll speak again.' - `I hope so.'...
  [V so/not] `Will it happen again?' - `I hope not, but you never know.'
2) VERB: with brd-neg If you say that you cannot hope for something, or if you talk about the only thing that you can hope to get, you mean that you are in a bad situation, and there is very little chance of improving it.
  [V for n] Things aren't ideal, but that's the best you can hope for...
  [V for n] I always knew it was too much to hope for.
  [V to-inf] ...these mountains, which no one can hope to penetrate.
N-VAR
Hope is also a noun. The only hope for underdeveloped countries is to become, as far as possible, self-reliant... The car was smashed beyond any hope of repair.
3) N-UNCOUNT Hope is a feeling of desire and expectation that things will go well in the future.
  Now that he has become President, many people once again have hope for genuine changes in the system...
  But Kevin hasn't given up hope of being fit...
  Consumer groups still hold out hope that the president will change his mind...
  Thousands of childless couples are to be given new hope by the government.
4) N-COUNT: with supp, oft N of n/-ing, N that If someone wants something to happen, and considers it likely or possible, you can refer to their hopes of that thing, or to their hope that it will happen.
  They have hopes of increasing trade between the two regions...
  The delay in the programme has dashed Japan's hopes of commercial success in space...
  My hope is that, in the future, I will go over there and marry her.
5) N-COUNT: with supp If you think that the help or success of a particular person or thing will cause you to be successful or to get what you want, you can refer to them as your hope.
  ...England's last hope in the English Open Table Tennis Championships...
  Roemer represented the best hope for a businesslike climate in Louisiana.
6) PHRASE: V inflects If you are in a difficult situation and do something and hope for the best, you hope that everything will happen in the way you want, although you know that it may not.
  I took the risk and hoped for the best...
  Some companies are cutting costs and hoping for the best.
7) PHRASE: V inflects If you tell someone not to get their hopes up, or not to build their hopes up, you are warning them that they should not become too confident of progress or success.
  There is no reason for people to get their hopes up over this mission...
  I don't want you to build your hopes up, but I'll have a word with Fred tomorrow.
8) PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR, oft PHR of -ing (emphasis) If you say that someone has not got a hope in hell of doing something, you are emphasizing that they will not be able to do it. [INFORMAL]
  Everybody knows they haven't got a hope in hell of forming a government anyway.
9) PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR, usu PHR that, PHR of n/-ing, PHR for n If you have high hopes or great hopes that something will happen, you are confident that it will happen.
  I had high hopes that Derek Randall might play an important part...
  Britain's three-day event team has high hopes of winning the Olympic gold medal...
  He had no great hopes for the success of his undertaking.
10) PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR that If you hope against hope that something will happen, you hope that it will happen, although it seems impossible.
  She glanced about the hall, hoping against hope that Richard would be waiting for her.
11) PHRASE: PHR with cl (politeness) You use `I hope' in expressions such as `I hope you don't mind' and `I hope I'm not disturbing you', when you are being polite and want to make sure that you have not offended someone or disturbed them.
  I hope you don't mind me coming to see you...
  I hope I haven't said anything to upset you.
12) PHRASE: PHR with cl, PHR not You say `I hope' when you want to warn someone not to do something foolish or dangerous.
  You're not trying to see him, I hope?...
  I hope you won't be too harsh with the girl...
  Are we starting that again? I most sincerely hope not.
13) PHRASE: PHR with cl (politeness) You add `I hope' to what you are saying to make it sound more polite and less rude or less definite.
  I'm the best man for the job, I hope...
  Fraulein Wendel is well, I hope?
14) PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR of -ing, PHR that If you do one thing in the hope of another thing happening, you do it because you think it might cause or help the other thing to happen, which is what you want.
  He was studying in the hope of being admitted to an engineering college...
  We will be analysing all the things she has told us in the hope that we can locate the person responsible.
15) PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR that, PHR of -ing If you live in hope that something will happen, you continue to hope that it will happen, although it seems unlikely, and you realize that you are being foolish.
  I just live in hope that one day she'll talk to me...
  My mother bought lots of tickets and lived in hope of winning the prize.
16) CONVENTION (feelings) If you say `Some hope', or `Not a hope', you think there is no possibility that something will happen, although you may want it to happen. [INFORMAL]
  The industry reckons it will see orders swell by 10% this financial year. Some hope.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

hope

²hope noun, pl hopes
1 : the feeling of wanting something to happen and thinking that it could happen : a feeling that something good will happen or be true

[noncount]

• When they started their life together, they were young and full of hope.
• Rescuers have not yet abandoned/lost hope that more survivors will be found.
• The drug has brought/given hope to thousands of sufferers.

[count]

• We allowed ourselves to entertain hopes that the crisis would end soon.
• The goal raised/lifted the hopes of the team.
• The hope is that there will be a settlement soon.
• The lawyers do not want to raise false hopes of an early settlement.
• Our hopes are fading/dwindling.
• We had high hopes of winning the game. [=we felt we had a very good chance of winning the game]
• You shouldn't get your hopes up. [=feel so hopeful]
• She went back to the restaurant with hopes of finding her purse there. = She went back to the restaurant with the hope of finding her purse there. [=because she thought and hoped that she might find her purse there]
• He told them the truth with the hope that they would understand.
2 [noncount] : the chance that something good will happen
• She believes there's hope of/for a cure. [=that a cure is possible]
• He had little/no hope of attending college.
• The latest reports hold out hope for a possible end to this crisis.
• They have a glimmer/ray of hope [=a small chance] of winning.
• His condition is beyond hope. [=his condition is hopeless]
3 [singular] : someone or something that may be able to provide help : someone or something that gives you a reason for hoping
• He's our last/best hope.
• At this point their only hope is that someone will offer to buy the company.
• What hope is there for someone like me?
4 [count] : something that is hoped for
• All my hopes have been fulfilled at last.
• Our fondest hope is that our children will be happy and healthy.
• We all have hopes and dreams for the future.
• We have great hopes for the coming year.
fix your hopes on/upon
- see ¹fix
in (the) hope of/that or in hopes of/that : with the hope that something will happen or could happen
• He returned to the crime scene in (the) hope of finding further evidence.
• He waited in hopes that she would show up.
live in hope chiefly Brit : to hope for something when you know that it will probably not happen or be true
• We live in hope that there will be some survivors of the crash.
pin (all) your hopes on
- see pin on at ²pin

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