What does hoping mean?
“Hoping” is the present participle of “hope” and means wishing for a particular outcome or believing that something is possible, though not certain. It is used when a person wants something but must acknowledge that the result remains uncertain. The word appears in everyday conversation, journalism, formal writing, and literary contexts, with its tone ranging from lightly hopeful to deeply earnest. “I’m hoping for good news” is a typical neutral usage, while “hoping against hope” describes continuing to wish for an outcome despite strong reasons to doubt it. The word often combines with “for” when naming what is desired, as in “hoping for a swift recovery,” and with “to” when expressing an intended action, as in “hoping to travel.” Unlike a promise or prediction, hoping leaves room for possibility and reflects the speaker’s emotional orientation toward the future. It is therefore useful for describing an attitude of openness, patience, and cautious optimism.
verbTo wish for something to happen or to believe, without certainty, that a desired outcome will occur. “Hoping” can also mean looking forward to something with some expectation.
- To wish for something to happen or believe, without certainty, that a desired outcome will occur.
"She was hoping to hear from her brother before the weekend."
"We are hoping that the weather will improve by tomorrow."
"The candidate is hoping to win enough support to secure the nomination."
Hoping is a quiet form of courage: it keeps the future open when certainty is impossible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hoping come from?
“Hoping” derives from the English verb “hope,” which comes from Old English “hopian.” The Old English word developed from a Germanic root associated with expectation and trust, reflected in related forms such as German “hoffen” and Dutch “hopen.” In modern English, “hope” has come to cover both a confident expectation and a wish about an uncertain future, while the form “hoping” expresses that state in the present.
Related word forms
How hoping is actually used
“Hoping” is neutral in register and can express an optimistic expectation, a strong wish, or a less certain possibility. In formal contexts, it often conveys expectation without implying confidence or certainty.
Easily confused with hoping
“Hoping” means expressing a wish or expectation, whereas “hopping” means moving in short jumps or bouncing.