hopeful
/ˈhəʊpfl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhəʊpfl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhōp-fəl/ (ame, mw) · /ˈhəʊp.fəl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhoʊp.fəl/ (ame, ipa)
hopeful — adjective
- hopefulpositive
- more hopefulcomparative
- most hopefulsuperlative
1. feeling that something you wish for is likely to become real, often because the
feeling that something you wish for is likely to become real, often because the signs or your own attitude support that belief
Sari felt hopeful about her job interview after the manager smiled warmly.
hopeful + about + noun phrase
The children were hopeful that their father would come home early from the trip.
hopeful + that + clause
Yuki remained hopeful even after three weeks of searching for work.
Are you hopeful about the team's chances in tomorrow's final match?
Justin tried to sound hopeful, but his trembling voice gave away his worry.
- optimistic
broader and more general — describes a long-term outlook on life, not just a specific wish
- confident
stronger and more self-assured — implies near-certainty rather than just positive expectation
- upbeat
informal — emphasises cheerful mood rather than specific hope about an outcome
- hopeless
the direct opposite — having no belief that things can improve
- pessimistic
expecting the worst rather than the best
文法句型
feel / be hopeful + about + noun/gerund
feel / be hopeful + that + clause
用法筆記
Often takes the prepositions 'about' or 'of', or a that-clause. Not followed by a to-infinitive — use 'hopeful that' or 'hopeful about' instead.
常見錯誤
2. giving you reason to think that something good will happen or that a situation w
giving you reason to think that something good will happen or that a situation will turn out well
The early test results were a hopeful sign that the treatment was working.
hopeful sign — attributive use
Karim found the hopeful tone of the doctor's message very reassuring.
hopeful tone — attributive use
These hopeful figures suggest the local economy is finally recovering.
Tunde described the latest weather report as hopeful for the weekend hike.
Several hopeful developments in the peace talks were reported this morning.
- promising
focuses on future potential rather than current encouragement
- encouraging
emphasises that the news makes someone feel supported or motivated
- positive
more general — can describe any favourable result or quality
- discouraging
makes you feel less confident about a good outcome
- unpromising
shows little likelihood of future success
文法句型
hopeful + noun (sign / news / development)
be / seem / look hopeful
用法筆記
Describes things (signs, news, results) that give hope to others. Not used to describe a person's own feelings — that is Sense 1 (FEELING OPTIMISTIC).
常見錯誤
hopeful — noun
- hopefulsingular
- hopefulsplural
1. someone competing for a desired role, position, or opportunity, especially in en
someone competing for a desired role, position, or opportunity, especially in entertainment, sports, or other selective fields
Nearly two hundred hopefuls showed up for the singing competition auditions.
plural form: hopefuls
The young hopeful stood quietly backstage, waiting for her turn to sing.
Each hopeful was given exactly five minutes to impress the judging panel.
Maeve was among many hopefuls trying out for a lead role in the musical.
Asher felt like just another hopeful among hundreds at the open casting call.
文法句型
a hopeful / the hopefuls
用法筆記
Countable noun, most often used in the plural (hopefuls). Common in entertainment (auditions, film roles) and sports (team tryouts).