hopeful

Feeling that something you want may happen or turn out well.

• I feel hopeful today.
• She was hopeful about getting the job.
• We remain hopeful that he will recover.

How to use it: hopeful about something (They are hopeful about the future.); hopeful that… (I am hopeful that we can finish today.)

Similar words: optimistic

Opposites: hopeless, pessimistic

Common phrases: remain hopeful, hopeful about something

Giving you reason to believe that something good may happen.

• That is a hopeful sign.
• The latest results look hopeful.
• There were several hopeful developments in the peace talks.

Similar words: promising, encouraging

Opposites: unpromising

Common phrases: hopeful sign, hopeful news

Someone who hopes to be chosen or to win, especially in politics or a competition.

• She is a presidential hopeful.
• Hundreds of young hopefuls attended the audition.
• The party’s hopefuls debated on television.

Similar words: candidate, contender

Common phrases: presidential hopeful, young hopeful