What is hope? Pronunciation and usage in English

hope means . Learn how to pronounce and use hope through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of hope

hopenoun/verb

/həʊp/
Definition & pronunciation of hope

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "hope" in English. It's a tricky one for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /hoʊp/ (rhymes with "shop" or "soap")

Let's break that down further:

  • “ho”: This is pronounced like the "ho" in "hot" or "home." It's a short, open "o" sound.
  • “pe”: This is the tricky part. It’s pronounced like "p" followed by a very short, unstressed "e" sound. It's not like the "pea" in "pea soup." Think of it as a quick, almost silent "eh" sound.

Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Avoid a long “o” sound: Don't say "hope" like "hopeful" or "open."
  • Don’t emphasize the "e": The "e" at the end is very subtle and doesn’t get a strong sound. It’s almost like a glide.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to get it right is to hear it! Here are some examples:
    • Google it: Search for "how to pronounce hope" on Google and listen to the audio.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/hope/ - This website offers pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search for “how to pronounce hope” on YouTube for video tutorials.

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Usage and examples with the word hope in English

Let's break down how to use the word "hope" in English. It's a versatile word with lots of nuances! Here’s a breakdown of its different uses, with examples:

1. As a Verb (To Desire or Expect Something Positive)

  • Meaning: To want something to happen, often with some uncertainty about whether it will. It’s about anticipating a good outcome.
  • Examples:
    • "I hope you have a good day." (Simple wish for someone else’s well-being)
    • "I hope to visit Italy next year." (A desire for a future event)
    • "We hope for rain to help the crops." (Wishing for a favorable weather condition)
    • "Don't hope for the best; be prepared for the worst." (A cautionary statement)
    • "She hooped for a miracle." (Using the variant "hooped" - a less common but valid usage)

2. As a Noun (The Feeling of Anticipating a Good Outcome)

  • Meaning: The feeling of wanting something to happen and believing it’s possible, even if it’s not certain. It’s an emotion.
  • Examples:
    • "He’s filled with hope." (Describing someone’s emotional state)
    • "Despite the challenges, she held onto hope." (Referring to the emotion itself)
    • “The hope of a better future motivated them.” (The idea of a better future)
    • "The charity is providing hope to children in need." (Giving a feeling of encouragement and possibility)

3. Phrases Using "Hope"

  • "Hope springs eternal": (Idiom) – People always have the hope that things will get better, even when they shouldn’t. (Example: "Despite losing his job, he still believes hope springs eternal.")
  • "Have hope": (Advice) – Encourage someone to maintain a positive outlook. ("Have hope! Things will get better.")
  • "Keep hope alive": (Action) – Continue to nurture and maintain a sense of optimism. (“We must keep hope alive for a peaceful resolution.”)
  • "A glimmer of hope": (Small amount) – A small or faint sign that things might improve. ("There's a glimmer of hope in the latest research.")
  • "Bite the bullet": – This idiom is often followed by “I hope.” (Example: “I have to go to the dentist. I hope I don’t faint.”) - A reluctant acceptance of something unpleasant.

4. Structures with "Hope"

  • "I hope that..." / "I hope that + clause": (Formal) – A polite and somewhat formal way to express a wish. ("I hope that the package arrives tomorrow.")
  • "Hope + to + verb": (Expressing future intentions/desires) - “I hope to travel around Europe someday.”
  • "Hope + for + noun": (Expressing a desire for a future event or outcome) - "I hope for peace."

Tips for Using "Hope" Effectively:

  • Context is key: The exact meaning of “hope” depends on how it’s used in a sentence.
  • Expressing Uncertainty: “Hope” implies a level of uncertainty. “Believe” suggests a stronger conviction.
  • Positive Connotation: “Hope” is almost always a positive word.

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., writing a story, having a conversation, an essay?)

Synonyms for the word hope

Idioms of the word hope

cross my heart (and hope to die)
(informal)used to emphasize that you are telling the truth or will do what you promise
  • I saw him do it—cross my heart.
hope against hope (that…)
to continue to hope for something although it is very unlikely to happen
  • She was hoping against hope that there’d been some mistake.
hope for the best
to hope that something will happen successfully, especially where it seems likely that it will not
  • I’m just going to answer all the questions I can and hope for the best.
I should hope so/not | so I should hope
(informal)used to say that you feel very strongly that something should/should not happen
  • ‘Nobody blames you.’ ‘I should hope not!’

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