wishful adjective. ['wɪʃfʊl, -f(ǝ)l] E16.
[from WISH noun + -FUL.]
1. Such as is (to be) wished; desirable; desired. E16-M17.

2. a. Of the eye, a look, a feeling, etc.: full of desire; longing, yearning, wistful. Later also, expressing or indicative of a wish. L16.
wishful thinker a person who indulges in wishful thinking. wishful thinking belief or expectation founded on wishes rather than on what one has reason to suppose to be true.
■ Shakespeare 3 Henry VI To greet mine own land with my wishful sight.
■ C. Bridges The forlorn wandering child casting a wishful, penitent look towards his Father's house.
b. Of a person: possessed by a wish for something specified or implied; wishing, desiring to do. M18.

■ wishfully adverb L16.

■ wishfulness noun E19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲