Wish Meaning and Definition
Wish
Pronunciation
/wɪʃ/
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Definition
A feeling or expression of a desire or hope for something to happen or be true. A wish can be a deeply personal and emotional aspiration, often driven by a strong desire or need.
Examples
- She made a wish upon a star.
- His wish is to travel the world.
Synonyms
- Desire
- Hope
- Aspiration
Antonyms
- Fear
- Dread
- Aversion
Additional Information
Wishes can be a powerful tool for personal growth and motivation. They can help individuals focus on their goals and desires, and work towards making them a reality. Wishes can also be a way to express gratitude and appreciation for the things we already have in our lives. However, it’s also important to be realistic and understand that not all wishes can come true.
In many cultures, wishes are believed to have the power to shape our destiny. For example, in ancient Greek mythology, the gods were often called upon to grant wishes to mortals. Similarly, in many Asian cultures, wishes are believed to be carried on the wind or by birds, and are often written on lanterns or kites and released into the air.
Wishes can also be a source of inspiration and creativity. Many artists, writers, and musicians have been inspired by wishes and have used them as a theme in their work. For example, the famous Disney song “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” is a classic example of the power of wishes to inspire and motivate.
Etymology
The word “wish” comes from the Old English word “wyscan”, which means “to desire or long for”. This word is also related to the Old Norse word “væska”, which means “to wish or desire”. Over time, the spelling and meaning of the word have evolved, but its core meaning has remained the same.
Usage Notes
Wishes can be used in a variety of contexts, from formal to informal. They can be used to express a desire or hope for something to happen, or to make a request or plea. For example, “I wish you a happy birthday” is a common way to express good wishes to someone on their special day.
Cultural References
Wishes have been referenced in many works of literature and art throughout history. For example, in the classic fairy tale “Aladdin’s Wonderful Lamp”, the protagonist is granted three wishes by a genie. Similarly, in the famous Disney movie “Pinocchio”, the main character is granted a wish by a blue fairy.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Wishful thinking
- Wish someone well
- Wish upon a star
Related Words or Phrases
- Desire
- Hope
- Aspiration
- Goal
Collocations
- Make a wish
- Grant a wish
- Wish someone well
- Wish for something
Frequency of Use
The word “wish” is a relatively common word in modern language, and is often used in both formal and informal contexts. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word “wish” is used approximately 1.4 times per million words.
Common Misspellings
- Wich
- Wishs
- Wish’s