I. adjective
1.
full of hope or inclined to hope
the candidate was hopeful of winning
Synonyms: hoping; compare confident 1, expectant 1, optimistic
Related Word: anticipative, assured, satisfied, secure; cheerful, content, easy, undisturbed; fond, optimistic, Pollyannaish, rose-colored, sanguine, upbeat
Contrasted words: doubtful, insecure, pessimistic, uncertain; discouraged, disheartened, gloomy, glum
Antonyms: hopeless
2.
exhibiting qualities that inspire hope
a hopeful prospect for improvement
Synonyms: couleur de rose, encouraging, likely, promiseful, promising, roseate, rose-colored, rosy
Related Word: advantageous, auspicious, propitious; bright, cheering, cheery, golden, halcyon, happy, sunny; budding, up-and-coming
Contrasted words: discouraging, disheartening, dismal, dreary, gloomy, pessimistic
Antonyms: hopeless
II. noun
Synonyms: candidate , applicant, aspirant, seeker