C1adjective2K

Hopeful

UK /["/ˈhəʊpfl/"]/US /["/ˈhəʊpfl/"]/

Definition

believing that something you want will happen

In simple words: Feeling positive and expecting good things to happen.

Examples

  • She felt hopeful about the outcome of the exam after studying all week.
  • The hopeful candidate prepared his speech with great enthusiasm.
  • Despite the challenges, they remained hopeful that the project would succeed.
  • Several hopefuls lined up for the chance to audition for the lead role.
  • She looked hopeful, believing that things would improve soon.

Usage notes

Use 'hopeful' when discussing positive expectations, especially in personal or professional contexts. Avoid in overly casual situations where emotions aren't the focus.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a 'hopeful' person looking up at the sky, dreaming about a bright future.

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • about
  • of
  • be
  • feel
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • about
  • of
  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • optimistic
  • promising

Antonyms

  • pessimistic
  • hopeless
  • negative

Common mistakes

  • Using 'hopeful' when referring to things that are certain.
  • Confusing 'hopeful' with 'hopeless' and using them interchangeably.
  • Incorrectly using it as a noun (e.g., 'he is a hopeful').