Wishfully

In a manner characterized by a longing for something that may be unlikely or impossible. It implies a state of hoping or desiring, often without a realistic expectation of fulfillment. This longing can be directed towards future events, a return to the past, or changes in the present circumstances. It suggests a degree of idealism or naivety, a belief in the power of desire, or a refusal to accept a less desirable reality. The act of thinking wishfully highlights the human tendency to imagine scenarios that bring comfort, pleasure, or the realization of aspirations, even when faced with limitations or obstacles.

Wishfully meaning with examples

• She stared out the rain-streaked window, wishfully imagining a warm, sunny beach where she could escape the relentless grey of the city. She daydreamed of soft sand, turquoise waters, and the gentle caress of the breeze, temporarily forgetting the pressing deadlines and the noise that permeated her daily reality. The thought offered a moment of peace amidst the chaos.
• John, having lost his job, wishfully considered the lottery tickets clutched in his hand. He fantasized about quitting his job, buying a mansion, and travelling the world, all the while knowing his chances of winning were incredibly slim. It was a fleeting escape, a chance to momentarily evade his anxieties regarding unemployment.
• The old photographs captured her youth; she looked wishfully at her younger self, the boundless possibilities of her future, and considered how different her life could have turned out. The memories painted a portrait of what might have been, evoking both longing and gratitude for the journey she ultimately had chosen to take, yet not always the one she had in mind.
• During the debate about world peace, the activists wishfully advocated for the end of war. They dreamt of a utopian society where conflicts were resolved peacefully and every human could live in a safe, egalitarian environment. Though they knew their dream was unlikely to be fulfilled entirely, their belief offered hope and pushed them to try to make the world a better place.