Definition hope in British English

hope verb

verb

/həʊp/

to want and expect something to happen or be true

Example

I just hope she's pleasant to him on his birthday.

Example

It wouldn't be sensible to hope for immediate success.

Example

The best they can hope for is to get temporary accommodation.

Example

We can only hope and pray that Stephen is alive.

Example

The university is hoping to raise Â£3,000,000.

Example

He hopes to sell his art to a major museum.

Synonyms and related words

want wish hope hope aim pray

Explore Thesaurus

1.1

Example

I hope you don't mind me asking, but where did you buy those shoes?

Example

We do hope you enjoy your stay with us.

Synonyms and related words

hope seem respectfully

1.2

used for showing that you do not like what someone is doing or thinking of doing

Example

That's not my jumper you're wearing, I hope.

Example

I hope you're not going to use all the milk.

1.3

used for saying that you are depending on something happening

Example

I'm hoping that Ray's got the key, otherwise we can't get in.

Synonyms and related words

hopefully Iâd like to think (that) with any luck

Words related to hope:

a glimmer of hope (phrase) a of hope (phrase) a ray of (phrase) abandon (all) hope (phrase) beyond (all) hope (phrase) cross your heart (and hope to die) (phrase) dare (phrase) fond hope/wish/dream etc (phrase) half (that) (phrase) hope (verb) hope (noun) hope against hope (phrase) hope for the best (phrase) hope springs eternal (phrase) hope to God (phrase) I hope not (phrase) I hope so (phrase) I etc to God (phrase) I should (phrase) I hope so (too) (phrase) I would etc (phrase) in the hope (phrase) live in hope (phrase) hope (phrase) not a in hell (phrase) not have a hope in hell () not hold out (much) hope () only (that) (phrase) pious hope (phrase) stand a (of doing something) (phrase)