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hopeful

hopeful

46 1.0
Showing signs that a plan or project will be successful
  • adjective
  • /ˈhoʊpfəl/
translation icon : prometedor
  • Fortunately, there are now hopeful signs that ecological concerns are becoming a higher policy priority.
  • hopeful signs
  • reasons to be hopeful

In this podcast, I will talk about very hopeful things for America.

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Examples

  • Most Asian leaders are still hopeful that the United States will retain a significant Pacific military presence.

    Academic text (1993)
  • After the successful meeting, the team felt hopeful about finishing the project on time.

  • We're really hopeful on that.

  • The end of the Cold War has helped bring about a more hopeful period in Africa.

    Academic text (1992)
  • For the first time in weeks, she felt hopeful about her project's outcome.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • Perhaps the most important of the region's hopeful signs is the rebellion in Syria.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Teachers need to strive to communicate a hopeful message to avoid having students turn away from these challenging issues.

    Academic text (2004)
  • There is, however, reason to be hopeful about the future if music educators prepare themselves intelligently.

    Academic text (1999)
  • So it is a hopeful sign for the fate of humankind, and it reflects well on God's intentions towards us.

  • Her acceptance into the prestigious program was a hopeful indication of her future success.

Synonyms

positive
vshopeful
695 2.8

Having a confident or approving attitude

applies to general attitude rather than likelihood of good outcome
optimistic
vshopeful
426 3.2

Expecting good things to happen in the future

is more about evidence of success rather than a personal outlook
promising
vshopeful
203 3.1

Showing signs of future success

is a general positive forecast not only tied to clear signs
bright
vshopeful
128 1.5

Likely to be successful and have good chances

focuses on likelihood rather than visible early signs
upbeat
vshopeful
99 3.8

Feeling cheerful and hopeful, sometimes too positive for the situation

focuses on mood rather than signs that predict success
rosy
vshopeful
26 3.2

Expecting good things in the future

leans toward an optimistic expectation rather than concrete signs
sanguine
vshopeful
10 7.4

Cheerful and hopeful in a difficult situation

is based on signs of likely success rather than cheerful attitude
yeppity
vshopeful
  • Slang
9.9

Feeling very happy, excited, and full of energy

is about signs of future success rather than energetic excitement
encouraged
vshopeful
2.1

More confident and willing to try after getting support

is about external signs of likely success not just a reaction to support

Antonyms

67 3.9

Expecting bad things to happen in the future

48 2.5

Feeling no hope about a situation or the future

How Promising

certain
946 1.0
promising
203 3.1
hopeful
46 1.0
possible
1.0
unlikely
487 1.9
hopeless
133 2.7

Surface Forms

hopeful positive
hopefuller comparative
hopefullest superlative

Morphology

hopeful = hope (transparent) = hope + ful

The meaning is clearly derived from 'hope' with the addition of '-ful' to indicate possessing the quality of hope.

Etymology

Hopeful comes from the simple word hope, an Old English word meaning 'expecting good things', plus the ending -ful, which means 'full of'. So a 'hopeful' sign is something that is 'full of hope' and suggests a good result may come.