wish
WIHSH
Wish (noun) means a hope or desire for something, especially something not fully within your control. Example: “She made a wish before blowing out the candles.”
noun
1
A hope or desire for something, especially something not fully within your control.
"She made a wish before blowing out the candles."
"It was always his wish to travel the world."
"Her only wish was to see her family again."
verb
1
To want or hope for something, often something unlikely or impossible.
"I wish I could be there for the wedding."
"He wished he had studied harder for the exam."
"I wish it would stop raining so we could go out."
2
To express a hope for someone's wellbeing or good fortune.
"She wished him luck before the interview."
"We wish you a happy birthday."
"They wished the new couple a long and happy life together."
How to use wish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHoping for something, or telling someone you hope something good happens to them.
Memory tip
"Wish" pairs with a past-tense verb even when talking about now or the future — "I wish I had more time" (not "I wish I have").
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
wish someone well
make a wish
I wish I could
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Word forms
- Plural
- wishes
- Third person singular
- wishes
- Past tense
- wished
- Archaic forms
- wishest, wishedst, wisheth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She made a _____ before blowing out the candles.
Etymology
From Old English wyscan, going back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to wish" that also produced the German wünschen and Dutch wensen.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for wish
See all rhymes for wish →Frequently asked questions
What does “wish” mean?
The word “wish” means a hope or desire for something, especially something not fully within your control. In plain terms, hoping for something, or telling someone you hope something good happens to them.
How do you pronounce “wish”?
“Wish” is pronounced WIHSH (/ˈwɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wish” in a sentence?
Here is “wish” used in a sentence: “She made a wish before blowing out the candles.”
What part of speech is “wish”?
Depending on how it is used, “wish” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “wish” come from?
The word “wish” comes from Old English. From Old English wyscan, going back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to wish" that also produced the German wünschen and Dutch wensen.
Is “wish” a common word?
“Wish” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “wish” have?
“Wish” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a hope or desire for something, especially something not fully within your control.
What is the difference between a wish and a hope?
Both express wanting something you don't yet have. A wish often reaches for something unlikely or beyond your control — sometimes even impossible, like 'I wish I could fly.' A hope tends to be more realistic and forward-looking, something you believe could genuinely happen. Wishes lean dreamy; hopes lean expectant.
What is the difference between a wish and a desire?
A desire is a strong wanting, usually for something you can chase or act on. A wish is gentler and more wistful, often aimed at things outside your power — luck, the past, or fortune. Put simply, you pursue a desire, but you make a wish and hope it comes true.
Can a wish come true?
A wish can come true, but by its nature it leans on chance, other people, or forces beyond your control rather than effort alone. That built-in uncertainty is what separates a wish from a plan. We pair wishes with candles, coins, and shooting stars precisely because the outcome isn't guaranteed.
What is an example of a wish?
Blowing out birthday candles while silently hoping for something is the classic example. Others include 'I wish it would stop raining' or 'I wish you well.' Each expresses a hope for an outcome the speaker can't directly control — the defining feature that makes it a wish rather than a plan.
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