What does wish mean?
Wish is a common English word with both verbal and noun uses. As a verb, it expresses a desire or hope, often for something that is uncertain, difficult to obtain, or outside the speaker's direct control: "I wish the weather would improve." It also has a formal social use, as in "I wish you every success," where it conveys goodwill, blessing, or encouragement. As a noun, a wish is a particular desire, hope, or longing, and the plural wishes is common in expressions such as birthday wishes and best wishes. The word is generally neutral in tone, but it can sound more ceremonial than everyday alternatives such as want. In the construction "I wish," it frequently describes an imagined or counterfactual situation rather than a practical request. Wish is therefore useful for expressing both personal longing and courteous good wishes, ranging from informal hopes to formal messages of regard.
To express a desire or hope for something, or to hope that someone has good fortune.
"He wished his sister luck in the competition."
The phrase "I wish" often introduces an imagined or counterfactual situation, while wishes of goodwill are common in formal greetings and correspondence.
A desire, hope, or longing, especially one that may be difficult to fulfill; also a formal expression of goodwill or blessing.
"Her wish for a quiet life was finally fulfilled."
The plural "wishes" is standard in phrases such as "make a wish" and "best wishes."
The standard plural is "wishes," as in "send your wishes" or "best wishes."
"The children made wishes before blowing out the candles."
From birthday-candle wishes to the formal phrase "best wishes," this simple word carries both private hope and public goodwill.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wish come from?
The modern English word descends from Old English wīscan, used for wishing, desiring, and praying, and it continued through Middle English in the form now spelled wish. It belongs to a Germanic family that includes German wünschen, Dutch wensen, Danish ønske, and Swedish önska. These cognates preserve the older sense of longing for or hoping for something, while the English noun developed especially in expressions of desire and formal goodwill.
Related word forms
How wish is actually used
Wish is often more hypothetical or emotional than want. In constructions such as "I wish," it can introduce a counterfactual situation, meaning that the speaker imagines something different from reality. In formal greetings and correspondence, "wish" is standard for offering congratulations, comfort, or goodwill.
Easily confused with wish
Want usually expresses a desire that may lead to action, whereas wish often suggests hoping for something that is uncertain, difficult to obtain, or beyond one's control.
Will expresses intention or volition, while wish expresses a desire or hope without necessarily indicating an intention to act.