A2verb 1K

Wish

🇬🇧 UK /["/wɪʃ/","/ˈwɪʃɪz/","/wɪʃt/","/ˈwɪʃɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/wɪʃ/","/ˈwɪʃɪz/","/wɪʃt/","/ˈwɪʃɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Wish

to want something to happen or to be true even though it is unlikely or impossible

In simple words: A desire or hope for something to happen.

Wish in a sentence

• I wish I could travel to Paris this summer.
• She wishes for a new bike every birthday.
• He wished he had studied harder for the exam.
• They wish they could see the northern lights.
• I wish you a happy birthday!

How to use Wish

Used to express a desire for something that is unlikely or impossible. Common in informal contexts; less appropriate in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

wish + clause

Memory hint

Think of a 'wish' as something you blow on a dandelion — it floats away, hoping to come true.

Related words

Collocations with Wish

• dearly
• desperately
• devoutly
• for
• dearly
• desperately
• devoutly
• for

Synonyms for Wish

• desire
• hope
• longing
• yearning
• craving

Opposites of Wish

• despair
• regret
• discontent

Common mistakes with Wish

• Confused with 'want' — 'wish' indicates a stronger hope.
• Using 'wished' instead of 'wish' for future situations.
• Mixing up the past and present forms incorrectly.

Frequently asked questions about Wish

What does Wish mean?

A desire or hope for something to happen.

What is the definition of Wish?

to want something to happen or to be true even though it is unlikely or impossible

How do you use Wish in a sentence?

I wish I could travel to Paris this summer.

Can you give another example of Wish?

She wishes for a new bike every birthday.

What are synonyms for Wish?

Common alternatives include desire, hope, longing, yearning, craving.

What is the opposite of Wish?

Opposite meanings include despair, regret, discontent.

What words go with Wish?

It commonly pairs with dearly, desperately, devoutly, for, dearly, desperately, devoutly, for.

What are common mistakes when using Wish?

Confused with 'want' — 'wish' indicates a stronger hope. Using 'wished' instead of 'wish' for future situations. Mixing up the past and present forms incorrectly.

How do you pronounce Wish?

US: /["/wɪʃ/","/ˈwɪʃɪz/","/wɪʃt/","/ˈwɪʃɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/wɪʃ/","/ˈwɪʃɪz/","/wɪʃt/","/ˈwɪʃɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Wish?

Used to express a desire for something that is unlikely or impossible. Common in informal contexts; less appropriate in very formal writing.

What CEFR level is Wish?

"Wish" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.