hopeful

Pluralhopefuls

1. 1
   adjective

   Feeling that a good outcome is likely or that a wish will come true.

   The team remained hopeful despite trailing by two goals at halftime.

   Doctors were hopeful that the new treatment would ease her symptoms.

   Similaroptimistic, confident, positive, upbeat, buoyant

   Oppositepessimistic, hopeless, despairing, despondent

2. 2
   adjective

   Tending to inspire hope in others, or suggesting that a good outcome is likely.

   The latest poll numbers offered a hopeful outlook for the campaign.

   Doctors described the scan as hopeful, since the tumor had clearly shrunk.

   Similarpromising, encouraging, favorable, heartening, auspicious

   Oppositediscouraging, bleak, unpromising, grim

3. 3
   nouncountable

   A person hoping for success or victory, especially a candidate competing in a political election.

   The mayoral hopeful promised lower taxes throughout her campaign.

   By spring, three hopefuls had entered the race for governor.

   Similarcandidate, contender, aspirant, challenger

Showing meanings only. Show all 3