First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1hope
verb \ˈhōp\
: to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true
hopedhop·ing
Full Definition of HOPE
intransitive verb
1
: to cherish a desire with anticipation <hopes for a promotion>
2
archaic : trust
transitive verb
1
: to desire with expectation of obtainment
2
: to expect with confidence : trust
— hop·er noun
— hope against hope
: to hope without any basis for expecting fulfillment
See hope defined for English-language learners
See hope defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of HOPE
Middle English, from Old English hopian; akin to Middle High German hoffen to hope
Synonym Discussion of HOPE
expect, hope, look mean to await some occurrence or outcome. expect implies a high degree of certainty and usually involves the idea of preparing or envisioning <expects to be finished by Tuesday>. hope implies little certainty but suggests confidence or assurance in the possibility that what one desires or longs for will happen <hopes to find a job soon>. look, with to, implies assurance that expectations will be fulfilled <looks to a tidy profit from the sale>; with for it implies less assurance and suggests an attitude of expectancy and watchfulness <look for rain when the wind shifts to the northeast>.
2hope
noun
: the feeling of wanting something to happen and thinking that it could happen : a feeling that something good will happen or be true
: the chance that something good will happen
: someone or something that may be able to provide help : someone or something that gives you a reason for hoping
Full Definition of HOPE
2
See hope defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of HOPE
before 12th century
HOPE
abbreviation
Definition of HOPE
Health Opportunity for People Everywhere
Hope
biographical name \ˈhōp\
Definition of HOPE
Anthony — see Sir Anthony Hope hawkins
Hope
biographical name
Definition of HOPE
Bob 1903–2003 originally Leslie Townes Hope Am. (Brit.-born) comedian
Hope
biographical name
Definition of HOPE
Victor Alexander John 1887–1951 2d Marquis of Lin*lith*gow \lin-ˈlith-(ˌ)gō\ British soldier; viceroy of India (1936–43)
HOPING Defined for Kids
1hope
verb \ˈhōp\
hopedhop·ing
Definition of HOPE for Kids
: to desire especially with expectation that the wish will be granted <I hope she remembers I'm coming.>
2hope
noun
Definition of HOPE for Kids
1
: desire together with the expectation of getting what is wanted
2
: a chance or likelihood for something desired <There isn't much hope of winning.>
3
: something wished for <My hope is that we'll all do well.>
4
: someone or something that may be able to help <You're our last hope.>
Learn More About HOPE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up hope? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).