unhoped-for
/ʌn'houptfɔ:/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- So unexpected as to have not been imagined or hoped for: Describes something positive or advantageous that occurs without being anticipated or expected. It implies a pleasant surprise that was not part of one's hopes or calculations.
Usage
- The adjective unhoped-for is used attributively, meaning it typically comes before the noun it modifies (e.g., ). It describes a benefit, piece of luck, or positive outcome that arrives as a complete surprise.
- It carries a formal or literary tone.
Examples
- The team's victory was an unhoped-for triumph, given their previous losses.
- Her recovery was swift and unhoped-for, bringing great joy to her family.
- They received an unhoped-for financial donation that saved the community project.
Advanced Usage
- "unhoped-for" as a compound adjective: It is always hyphenated. While similar in meaning to "unexpected," "unhoped-for" specifically connotes a desirable outcome that one did not dare to expect.
- The peace treaty was an unhoped-for conclusion to the lengthy conflict.
Variants and Related Words
- Unhoped (adj., archaic): Not hoped for; despaired of. (Rarely used in modern English).
- Unanticipated (adj.): Not expected or predicted. (More general, does not imply the outcome is necessarily positive).
- Unexpected (adj.): Not expected or regarded as likely to happen. (Neutral in connotation).
Synonyms
- Unexpected
- Unforeseen
- Unanticipated
- Undreamed-of
- Unlooked-for
Antonyms
- Expected
- Anticipated
- Foreseen
- Hoped-for
Related Phrases and Idioms
- A bolt from the blue: A complete surprise. (This idiom is more general and can refer to negative or shocking news, not specifically a positive, unhoped-for event).
- A windfall: An unexpected gain, typically financial. (Similar in meaning but often implies a tangible benefit).
Adjective
- so unexpected as to have not been imagined
- an unhoped-for piece of luck
- an unthought advantage
- an unthought-of place to find the key