hopeful

¹hope·ful

adjective \ˈhōp-fəl\

Definition of HOPEFUL

1

: having qualities which inspire hope <hopeful signs of economic recovery>

2

: full of hope : inclined to hope

— hope·ful·ness noun

Examples of HOPEFUL

1. The mood is sad rather than hopeful.
2. He was hopeful that things would get better soon.
3. I still feel hopeful about the future.
4. She is hopeful of winning the race.
5. a hopeful tone of voice
6. There are hopeful signs that the crisis may end soon.
7. The movie has a hopeful ending.
8. Investigators report that there have been some hopeful developments in the case.

First Known Use of HOPEFUL

1568

Related to HOPEFUL

Synonyms

auspicious, bright, encouraging, fair, golden, heartening, likely, optimistic, promising, propitious, roseate, rose-colored, rosy, upbeat

Antonyms

bleak, dark, depressing, desperate, discouraging, disheartening, dismal, downbeat, dreary, gloomy, hopeless, inauspicious, pessimistic, unencouraging, unlikely, unpromising, unpropitious

Related Words

cheering, comforting, reassuring, soothing; assured, confident, decisive, doubtless, positive, sure, unhesitating; beamish, bullish, eupeptic; favorable, good

Near Antonyms

cheerless, comfortless; doubtful, dubious, uncertain; bearish, grim, negative, unfavorable; funereal, glum, gray (also grey), miserable, wretched

²hopeful

noun

Definition of HOPEFUL

: aspirant <Olympic hopefuls>

Examples of HOPEFUL

1. <the three mayoral hopefuls are going to debate on local TV>

First Known Use of HOPEFUL

1720

Related to HOPEFUL

Synonyms

applicant, applier, aspirant, campaigner, contender, expectant, candidate, prospect, seeker

Antonyms

noncandidate

Related Words

competitor, contestant, entrant, entry, favorite, qualifier; dark horse, spoiler, stalking horse; crown prince, favorite son; claimant, pretender; nominee, running mate

Near Antonyms

incumbent, officeholder; awardee, honoree, inductee; dropout