wishful
UK: ˈwɪʃ.fəl | US: ˈwɪʃ.fəl
adj. having or expressing a desire or hope for something to happen
adj. based on impractical wishes rather than facts
The word "wishful" combines "wish," derived from Old English wȳscan (to desire or long for), with the suffix "-ful," which comes from Old English -full (full of). The suffix "-ful" is commonly used to form adjectives indicating abundance or possession of a quality (e.g., "joyful," "hopeful"). Over time, "wishful" evolved to describe a state of hopeful longing, often with a connotation of impracticality or unrealistic optimism.
She gave him a wishful glance, hoping he would ask her to dance.
His plan was more wishful thinking than a realistic strategy.
The child looked at the toy store with wishful eyes.
Politicians often make wishful promises during campaigns.
Without evidence, his theory remained merely wishful speculation.