— hoper , n. — hopingly , adv.
/hohp/ , n. , v. , hoped, hoping .
n.
1. the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best: to give up hope.
2. a particular instance of this feeling: the hope of winning.
3. grounds for this feeling in a particular instance: There is little or no hope of his recovery.
4. a person or thing in which expectations are centered: The medicine was her last hope.
5. something that is hoped for: Her forgiveness is my constant hope.
v.t.
6. to look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence.
7. to believe, desire, or trust: I hope that my work will be satisfactory.
v.i.
8. to feel that something desired may happen: We hope for an early spring.
9. Archaic. to place trust; rely (usually fol. by in ).
10. hope against hope , to continue to hope, although the outlook does not warrant it: We are hoping against hope for a change in her condition.
[ bef. 900; (n.) ME; OE hopa; c. D hoop, G Hoffe; (v.) ME hopen, OE hopian ]
Syn. 1. expectancy, longing. 8. See expect .