/ ˈhəʊpfl; NAmE ˈhoʊp-/ adjective , noun
■ adjective
1.
[ not usually before noun ] hopeful (that ... ) | hopeful (about sth) ( of a person ) believing that sth you want will happen
SYN optimistic :
I feel hopeful that we'll find a suitable house very soon.
He is not very hopeful about the outcome of the interview.
( BrE )
She is hopeful of returning to work soon.
OPP pessimistic
2.
[ only before noun ] ( of a person's behaviour ) showing hope :
a hopeful smile
3.
( of a thing ) making you believe that sth you want will happen; bringing hope
SYN promising :
The latest trade figures are a hopeful sign.
The future did not seem very hopeful.
► hope·ful·ness noun [ U ]
■ noun
a person who wants to succeed at sth :
50 young hopefuls are trying for a place in the England team.