hopeful Definition
hope·ful (hōp′fəl)
adjective
- feeling or showing hope; expecting to get what one wants
- inspiring or giving hope a hopeful sign
Etymology: ME
noun
a person who hopes, or seems likely, to succeed
hopeful Related Forms
hopeful Synonyms
hopeful
modif.
Optimistic
expectant, assured, sanguine, buoyant, enthusiastic, trustful, reassured, emboldened, full of hope, faithful, cheerful, anticipative, anticipating, trusting, inspirited, expecting, anticipatory, at ease, in hopes of, forward-looking, lighthearted, serene, calm, poised, comfortable, blithe, eager, elated, Pollyannaish*, beamish*, looking through rose-colored glasses*; see also confident 3, trusting 2.Encouraging
promising, reassuring, assuring, favorable, bright, cheering, flattering, gracious, opportune, timely, fortunate, propitious, auspicious, well-timed, fit, suitable, convenient, beneficial, reasonable, fair, uplifting, heartening, inspiring, exciting, pleasing, fine, inspiriting, fortifying, rousing, arousing, enlivening, lucky, stirring, making glad, gladdening, elating, providential, helpful, rose-colored, rosy, animating, attractive, satisfactory, refreshing, probable, good, conducive, advantageous, of good omen, pleasant, consoling, of promise, happy, cheerful, comforting, calming, proper, expeditious, enlivening. Antonyms
discouraging, unfortunate*, unfavorable.
hopeful Usage Examples
Converse of object
beat: Sheffield United travel to the Capital to face Millwall at the New Den after beating promotion hopeful 's Wolves 1-0 at Bramall Lane.
Adjective modifier
- presidential: No, it's Varsity's special report on CUSU's presidential hopefuls.
- Olympic: Stiff opposition for Olympic hopefuls by Mike Rosewell in the Times today.
- young: Dry runs open slot nights for young hopefuls to make their debut.
- fellow: Burnley open a crucial festive period with a vital match against fellow playoff hopefuls Stoke City on Boxing Day.
Modifies a noun
- punt: Her hopeful punt forward wreaked havoc near the penalty spot as Moore, Addicks defender Hills and Cope tried to reach the ball.
- anticipation: We've booked the dates anyway in hopeful anticipation!
- monster: He attempted to explain this by invoking large-scale mutations or " hopeful monsters " .
- ball: Had Arsenal played the ball to feet more instead of resorting to hopeful long balls, Leeds might have been embarrassed.
- sign: There were at the same time some hopeful signs.
- indication: Nevertheless, the £ 100 million the government is pumping into home care is a hopeful indication of the value being placed on it.
Modifying Another Word
ultimately: In turn critical, strident, scholarly, personal, moving and ultimately hopeful, it brings together the views of professionals and users.
Noun used with modifier
- play-off: Fans and players alike were left feeling a little disappointed after coming out of the hat alongside the two First Division play-off hopefuls.
- indie: Welcome to the world of conspicuous consumption, preening celebrities, snowbound indie film hopefuls and arrogant distributor moguls.
- promotion: Rugby Town suffered their first away defeat of the season at the hands of promotion hopefuls Halesowen Town.
- leadership: The Saturday Times reports on the recognition levels for Conservative leadership hopefuls compared with Tony Blair.
Used with adjective complement
- remain: However I remain hopeful... We don't know what the J in Aidan's name stand for either.
- feel: Feeling rather more hopeful, Caroline runs into Matt outside the Lodge, who wants to talk business.
- look: Shame - the players were looking very hopeful there.
- seem: However, the prospects in mid 2003 seemed more hopeful at the time of the research.
Browse dictionary entries near hopeful
- ‹ Hope Scholarship
- ‹ hope chest
- ‹ hope
- ‹ -hop
- ‹ hop sequence
- ‹ hop-o'-my-thumb
- ‹ hop hornbeam
- ‹ hop clover
- ‹ hop
- ‹ hooves

