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 )

Other Word Forms

• hopefulness noun
• unhopeful adjective
• unhopefully adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hopeful¹

First recorded in 1560–70; hope + -ful

Example Sentences

Though the mood was somber, it nevertheless felt more hopeful than most other protests Coheb-Taguri had attended in the last two years.

From Los Angeles Times

There also have been hopeful sightings of wild stars in California waters.

From Los Angeles Times

He said he’s hopeful that she will end up being released.

From Los Angeles Times

When it come to the South East he says other seats in Brighton will be "first on the list", with the party hopeful of adding to the Brighton Pavilion it has held since 2010.

From BBC

Prof Lees added: "We are hopeful that these changes will lead to better support for targets, greater accountability for perpetrators, and foster a culture of safety, respect, and integrity across healthcare."

From BBC

Related Words

• cheerful 
• encouraging www.thesaurus.com
• exciting 
• favorable 
• fortunate 
• good 
• gracious 
• likely 
• pleasant 
• probable 
• reasonable 
• reassuring 
• rosy