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REFERENCE

hopeful

adj. · n.
US //ˈhoʊpfəɫ// UK //hˈəʊpfəl// hope·ful
  1. 1 feeling hope (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    feeling or showing that you want something to happen and think it is possible.

    experiencing or expressing optimism regarding a future outcome.

    Example

    The students are hopeful that the exam results will be released early.

    Example

    Despite the initial setbacks, the research team remained hopeful that their hypothesis would eventually be validated by the clinical trials.

    Usage

    often followed by 'that' or 'about'.
  2. 2 giving hope (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    giving you a reason to believe that something good will happen.

    providing grounds for optimism or promising a positive result.

    Example

    The doctor gave us some hopeful news about my grandfather's recovery.

    Example

    The recent economic data provided a hopeful sign that the recession might be shorter than analysts had originally predicted.
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  1. 3 a candidate (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a person who is trying to get a job, win a prize, or be elected.

    an individual who aspires to a particular position, such as a political office or a role in a competition.

    Example

    Thousands of young hopefuls arrived at the stadium for the singing competition.

    Example

    The presidential hopefuls gathered for the first televised debate to outline their respective visions for the country's infrastructure.

    Usage

    often preceded by a descriptive noun like 'presidential' or 'Olympic'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a nominalised adjective; it is most common in journalism and political reporting.
Origin

From hope + -ful.

Word family

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