Definition

Noun: * The illusion that what you wish for is actually true: The act or an instance of believing that something is true or will happen simply because one wants it to be, without evidence or in defiance of reality. It is a form of self-deception based on desire rather than facts.

Usage

"Wishful thinking" is used to describe a belief or hope that is based on desire, not on a rational assessment of the situation. It often carries a slightly negative or critical connotation, implying that the person is ignoring reality. * It is commonly used with verbs like is, represents, indulge in, that's just, and don't rely on. * It can be the subject or object of a sentence.

Examples

• As a subject:
  • His belief that he will win the lottery is pure wishful thinking.
  • The company's projection of doubling sales this year seems like wishful thinking.
• As an object:
  • We must avoid wishful thinking and look at the hard data.
  • Don't mistake hope for wishful thinking; one is optimistic, the other is delusional.

Advanced Usage

• "To indulge in wishful thinking": To allow oneself to believe in a desired but unlikely outcome.
  • I know I'm probably indulging in wishful thinking, but I hope they cancel the exam.
• "A case of wishful thinking": Used to label a specific instance.
  • His plan to finish the project in one day was a clear case of wishful thinking.

Variants and Related Words

• Wishful (adjective): Having or expressing a wish or desire.
  • She gave him a wishful glance.
• Wishfully (adverb): In a manner expressing a wish.
  • He thought wishfully about early retirement.

Synonyms

• Self-deception: The act of deceiving oneself.
• Delusion: A false belief held despite strong evidence against it.
• Fantasy: The faculty or activity of imagining impossible or improbable things.
• Pipe dream: An unrealistic hope or fantasy.

Antonyms

• Realism: The attitude or practice of accepting a situation as it is and dealing with it accordingly.
• Pragmatism: A practical approach to problems and affairs.
• Skepticism: A skeptical attitude; doubt as to the truth of something.

Noun

1. the illusion that what you wish for is actually true