hopeful

[ hohp-fuhl ]

adjective

1. full of hope; expressing hope:

   His hopeful words stimulated optimism.

   Synonyms: confident, optimistic, sanguine, expectant

2. exciting hope; promising advantage or success:

   a hopeful prospect.

noun

1. a person who shows promise or aspires to success:

   the Democratic presidential hopeful.

hopeful

/ ˈhəʊpfʊl /

adjective

1. having or expressing hope
2. giving or inspiring hope; promising

noun

1. a person considered to be on the brink of success (esp in the phrase a young hopeful )

Derived Forms

• ˈhopefulness, noun

Other Words From

• hopeful·ness noun
• un·hopeful adjective
• un·hopeful·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hopeful¹

First recorded in 1560–70; hope + -ful

Example Sentences

Taylor, meanwhile, is still hopeful that the whole event can still cultivate new fans of the female code.

From BBC

Since last week's results, Stewart has remained hopeful for the future.

From Salon

Even at my most hopeful, I think I would have doubted that it would.

From Salon

She said she was “hopeful” after previous negotiations that health care workers in Northern Ireland would “never ever find themselves in this situation again”.

From BBC

Although 12 hopefuls are vying for the presidency, only two have a realistic chance of winning.

From BBC

Related Words

• cheerful
• encouraging
• exciting
• favorable
• fortunate
• good
• gracious
• likely
• pleasant
• probable
• reasonable
• reassuring
• rosy