Wishful Thinking

Pronunciation: /ˈwɪʃfəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

Definitions of wishful thinking

noun a belief or hope that something desired will happen, even though it is unlikely or impossible

Example Sentences

A1 I have a lot of wishful thinking about winning the lottery.

A2 She engages in wishful thinking that her crush will ask her out.

B1 His plan to become a famous actor is just wishful thinking.

B2 The politician's promise to lower taxes seemed like wishful thinking to many voters.

C1 The CEO's belief that the company will double its profits next year is just wishful thinking.

C2 Despite the evidence against him, he clung to wishful thinking that he would be acquitted.

Examples of wishful thinking in a Sentence

formal The belief that the economy will magically improve without any concrete plans is just wishful thinking.

informal Thinking that he will ask you out without any indication is just wishful thinking.

slang Hoping to win the lottery without buying a ticket is pure wishful thinking.

figurative Believing that she will suddenly change her mind is just wishful thinking.

Grammatical Forms of wishful thinking

• past tense: wished
• plural: wishful thinkers
• comparative: more wishful
• superlative: most wishful
• present tense: wish
• future tense: will wish
• perfect tense: have wished
• continuous tense: wishing
• singular: wishful thinker
• positive degree: wishful
• infinitive: to wish
• gerund: wishing
• participle: wishing

Origin and Evolution of wishful thinking

First Known Use: 1932 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'wishful thinking' originated from the concept of wishful thoughts or desires that are not based on reality or evidence.

Evolution of the word: The term has retained its original meaning of believing in something solely because one wishes it to be true, without evidence or reason. It is commonly used in discussions about unrealistic hopes or expectations.