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Intermediate

Hope vs. Wish

Watch the video to learn how to say this correctly.

Hope vs. Wish

Say it Right in English
Hope vs. Wish
Watch the video to learn how to say these words correctly.

In English, “hope” and “wish” are both expressions used to convey desires or aspirations. However, there are subtle differences in their usage and connotations.

“Hope” generally implies a stronger sense of optimism and belief that something is possible or likely to happen. When you hope for something, you have a positive expectation or anticipation that it will come to pass. Hope often carries a sense of confidence and can be backed by some degree of evidence or reason.
On the other hand, “wish” often conveys a desire for something that may be unlikely or even impossible to happen. Wishing typically suggests a more passive yearning or longing, often without any assurance of fulfillment. It’s commonly used for things that are beyond our control or uncertain.

For instance, you could say, “I hope I get the job,” reflecting your positive outlook and confidence in your abilities. But if you say, “I wish I could fly,” it expresses a longing or desire, even though flying is unrealistic.

In summary, “hope” involves a more active and optimistic perspective, while “wish” leans towards a passive or fantastical longing. Both words are used to express desires, but the nuance lies in the level of optimism and probability associated with each.

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