Dictionary

wishful

adjective wish·ful \ˈwish-fəl\

: showing a belief that something will happen or succeed even though it is not likely to happen or succeed

Full Definition of WISHFUL

1
a :  expressive of a wish :  hopeful <looked at the toys with wishful eyes>
b :  having a wish :  desirous
2
:  according with wishes rather than reality <wishful dreams>
wish·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
wish·ful·ness noun
ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of WISHFUL

1593
WISHFULLY Defined for Kids

wishful

adjective wish·ful \ˈwish-fəl\

Definition of WISHFUL for Kids

:  having, showing, or based on a wish

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: wish fulfillmentPrevious Word in the Dictionary: wishbone flowerAll Words Near: wishful
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears