hope etymology

Etymology

The word "hope" originates from the Old English word "hopian," which means "to expect with desire or confidence." It is related to the Germanic word "hupan," meaning "to think or expect," and the Indo-European root "gʷʰep-," meaning "to seize or to hope."

Meaning

Hope is a positive emotion involving the expectation of a desired outcome, often despite unfavorable circumstances. It is an optimistic feeling that something good will happen or that a difficult situation will improve. Hope can be directed towards a specific goal, event, or situation, or it can be a general sense of optimism and faith in the future.

Origin

The word "hope" has been in use for centuries. It appears in the Bible in the form of the Greek word "elpis" and in Latin as "spes." In ancient Greek mythology, Elpis was a personification of hope and optimism.

Different Uses of "Hope"

  • As a noun: A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain outcome.
  • As a verb: To expect with desire or confidence.
  • As an idiom:
    • "To hold out hope": To remain optimistic despite unfavorable circumstances.
    • "To give up hope": To stop believing that a desired outcome will happen.
    • "A beacon of hope": Someone or something that inspires optimism and confidence.

hope relate terms

  • forlorn

    Etymology From Middle English forlorn from Old English forloren past participle of fo

  • hopeful

    Etymology The word hopeful is derived from the Middle English word hopeful which is

  • hope

    Etymology The word hope originates from the Old English word hopian which means to

  • trust

    Etymology The word trust comes from the Old English word treowe which means faithf

  • desperation

    Etymology Late Middle English from Old French desperacioun from Latin desperatio from

  • sperate

    Etymology The word sperate is derived from the Latin word separare which means to s

  • despondence

    Etymology and Origin despondence n Middle English from Medieval Latin despōndēn

  • plan

    Etymology The word plan originated from the Latin word planus meaning flat or lev

  • promise

    Etymology The word promise comes from the Old French word promesse which in turn de

  • individual

    Etymology from Latin individuum an individual thing or being from in not