wishful

[wish-fuhl]

adjective

1. having or showing a wish; desirous; longing.

wishful

/ ˈwɪʃfʊl /

adjective

1. having wishes or characterized by wishing

Other Word Forms

• wishfulness noun
• wishfully adverb
• unwishful adjective
• unwishfully adverb
• unwishfulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of wishful¹

First recorded in 1515–25; wish + -ful

Example Sentences

She says the idea that collagen can make its journey through our body - not the easiest of quests - and land exactly where we need it to be is probably wishful thinking.

From BBC

Every origin story marinates in wishful thinking that haunts us to the end of our days.

From Salon

"That's extremely wishful thinking, but I just find it so interesting to be part of. I love reading about it and everything about it."

From BBC

It's more an exercise in wishful thinking than anything else.

From BBC

“That’s wishful thinking after a consequential war that has damaged Iran’s defense doctrine and one where Israel hasn’t seen its strategic objectives met,” Vakil said.

From Los Angeles Times