Definition

Noun: An unrealistic or overly optimistic desire or yearning for something, often without a practical basis or likelihood of fulfillment. It describes a state of mind characterized by hopeful but improbable wishes.

Usage

"Wishfulness" is used to describe a feeling or attitude where one's hopes are based more on desire than on reality. It often carries a slightly negative or critical connotation, implying a lack of realism. - It is typically used as an uncountable noun. - It often follows verbs like "indulge in," "is a sign of," or "stem from."

Examples

• His plan to become a famous actor with no training was pure wishfulness.
• The economic forecast was criticized for its wishfulness rather than its accuracy.
• She realized her hope for a last-minute reconciliation was just wishfulness.

Advanced Usage

• "Wishful thinking": This is a closely related and more common phrase. While "wishfulness" is the general state, "wishful thinking" refers to the specific cognitive process of believing something is true because one wishes it were so.
  • The belief that the problem would solve itself was dismissed as wishful thinking.

Variants and Related Words

• Wishful (adjective): Having or showing a wish or desire, especially for something that is not easily attainable.
  • He gave a wishful sigh as he looked at the expensive car.
• Wish (noun/verb): The root word, meaning a desire or hope.

Synonyms

• Fantasy: The faculty or activity of imagining impossible or improbable things.
• Pipe dream: An unattainable or fanciful hope or scheme.
• Daydreaming: A series of pleasant thoughts that distract one's attention from the present.

Antonyms

• Realism: The attitude or practice of accepting a situation as it is and being prepared to deal with it accordingly.
• Pragmatism: A practical approach to problems and affairs.
• Cynicism: An inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest.

Noun

1. an unrealistic yearning