Cool MateWish
UK /["/wɪʃ/","/ˈwɪʃɪz/","/wɪʃt/","/ˈwɪʃɪŋ/"]/US /["/wɪʃ/","/ˈwɪʃɪz/","/wɪʃt/","/ˈwɪʃɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to want something to happen or to be true even though it is unlikely or impossible
In simple words: A desire or hope for something to happen.
Examples
- I wish I could travel to Paris this summer.
- She wishes for a new bike every birthday.
- He wished he had studied harder for the exam.
- They wish they could see the northern lights.
- I wish you a happy birthday!
Usage notes
Used to express a desire for something that is unlikely or impossible. Common in informal contexts; less appropriate in very formal writing.
Grammar pattern
wish + clause
Memory hint
Think of a 'wish' as something you blow on a dandelion — it floats away, hoping to come true.
Collocations
- dearly
- desperately
- devoutly
- for
- dearly
- desperately
- devoutly
- for
Synonyms
- desire
- hope
- longing
- yearning
- craving
Antonyms
- despair
- regret
- discontent
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'want' — 'wish' indicates a stronger hope.
- Using 'wished' instead of 'wish' for future situations.
- Mixing up the past and present forms incorrectly.