English Dictionary

WISHFUL

Pronunciation (US): Play  (GB): Play

IPA (US): 

 Dictionary entry overview: What does wishful mean? 

WISHFUL (adjective)
  The adjective WISHFUL has 2 senses:

1. having or expressing desire for somethingplay

2. desiring or striving for recognition or advancementplay

  Familiarity information: WISHFUL used as an adjective is rare.


 Dictionary entry details 


WISHFUL (adjective)


Sense 1

Meaning:

Having or expressing desire for something

Synonyms:

desirous; wishful

Context example:

desirous of finding a quick solution to the problem

Similar:

appetent (marked by eager desire)

athirst; hungry; thirsty ((usually followed by 'for') extremely desirous)

avid; devouring; esurient; greedy ((often followed by 'for') ardently or excessively desirous)

covetous; envious; jealous (showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages)

nostalgic (unhappy about being away and longing for familiar things or persons)

homesick (longing to return home)

Derivation:

wishfulness (an unrealistic yearning)


Sense 2

Meaning:

Desiring or striving for recognition or advancement

Synonyms:

aspirant; aspiring; wishful

Similar:

ambitious (having a strong desire for success or achievement)


 Context examples 


"How do you mean, ask them questions?" I queried, wishful to get him into a talkative humour.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)



 Learn English with... Proverbs 
"Help a lame dog over a stile." (English proverb)

"If there is no financial involvement between relatives, the relationship is harmonious." (Bhutanese proverb)

"Blood can never turn into water." (Arabic proverb)

"Without suffering, there is no learning." (Croatian proverb)



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