wish
verb (used with object)
to want; desire; long for (usually followed by an infinitive or a clause).
was wishing
-
past progressiveof wish.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Actually, I was wishing him the opposite of dead, but apologize if you found the image inappropriate," he wrote.
From BBC ● May 8, 2026
“He was talking about that and hoping that I was going to be OK and wishing me well as I was wishing him well. We’re good friends. I love the guy.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 19, 2026
I thought it was true, but maybe I was wishing?
From Slate ● Mar. 13, 2024
If I wasn’t in baseball, all I’d be doing was wishing I was in baseball.”
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 19, 2023
“Off you go, move along there,” Lockhart called to the crowd, and he set off back to the castle with Harry, who was wishing he knew a good Vanishing Spell, still clasped to his side.
From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling
