adjective
wishful
WIHSH-fuhl
adjective
1
Wanting something to be true or to happen, often despite little evidence it will.
"His plan to retire at thirty was pure wishful thinking."
"She gave a wishful look at the display of holiday brochures."
How to Use Wishful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHopeful in a way that isn't really based on facts.
Common mistake
Almost always seen in the fixed phrase "wishful thinking," meaning unrealistic optimism.
Common pairings
wishful thinking
a wishful look
wishful hope
Word Forms
more wishful comparative, most wishful superlative
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His plan to retire at thirty was pure _____ thinking.
Etymology
From wish plus the adjective ending -ful.