n. & v.
--n.
1. (in sing. or pl.; often foll. by of, that) expectation and desire combined, e.g. for a certain thing to occur (hope of getting the job).
2 a a person, thing, or circumstance that gives cause for hope. b ground of hope, promise.
3 what is hoped for.
4 archaic a feeling of trust.
--v.
1. intr. (often foll. by for) feel hope.
2 tr. expect and desire.
3 tr. feel fairly confident.
Phrases and idioms:
hope against hope cling to a mere possibility. hope chest US bottom drawer. not a (or some) hope! colloq. no chance at all.
Derivatives:
hoper n.
Etymology: OE hopa