wishfully
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- In a manner characterized by or expressing wishful thinking: The word "wishfully" describes an action done with a longing or desire for something that is not currently true or likely to happen. It often implies a sense of hopeful but unrealistic yearning.
Usage
- "Wishfully" is used to modify a verb, describing an action is performed. It indicates that the action is accompanied by or stems from a wish or desire.
- It is commonly paired with verbs like "think," "hope," "look," "dream," or "imagine."
Examples
- She wishfully imagined winning the lottery and traveling the world.
- He stared wishfully at the sports car in the showroom window.
- "Maybe it will stop raining," he said wishfully, looking at the dark clouds.
Advanced Usage
- "to think/speak wishfully": to think or talk in a way that reflects desires more than reality.
- He was thinking wishfully about the project's success, ignoring the clear challenges.
- "to gaze/look wishfully": to look at something with a longing expression.
- The child looked wishfully at the candy store.
Variants and Related Words
- Wishful (adjective): Having or showing a wish or desire, especially for something that cannot or probably will not happen.
- a wishful thought
- Wishfulness (noun): The quality or state of being wishful.
- Her plan was based more on wishfulness than on practical strategy.
Synonyms
- Longingly: With a yearning desire.
- Hopefully: In a hopeful manner (can be similar, though "hopefully" can be more optimistic about possibility).
- Yearningly: With a deep, often melancholic desire.
Antonyms
- Realistically: In a manner based on facts and reality.
- Pragmatically: In a sensible, practical way.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "To indulge in wishful thinking": To allow oneself to believe in or hope for something based on wishes rather than facts. (Note: This is a related idiom using the adjective form "wishful.")
- Indulging in wishful thinking won't help us solve the actual problem.
Adverb
- in a wishful manner
- he wishfully indulged in dreams of fame