26984 words

wishing

9 definitions • 20 examples
1
present participle of
2
used with the past simple to express that you feel sorry or sad about a state or situation that exists at the moment:

Examples:

I wish (that) I was/were a bit taller.
I wish (that) you were coming with me, Peter.
3
used with the past perfect to express that you feel sorry or sad about a particular action in the past:

Examples:

I wish (that) I hadn't eaten so much.
I bet she wishes (that) she'd never got involved in the whole mess.
4
to want to do something:

Examples:

as you wish As you wish, Sir. It will be done.
[ + to infinitive ] I wish to make a complaint.
wish to Passengers wishing to take the Kings Cross train should board now.
I don't wish to worry you but he did say he'd be back by midnight.
[ + obj + adj ] Sometimes I was so depressed that I wished myself dead.
5
used to express anger at someone's behaviour:

Examples:

I wish she'd shut up for a minute and let someone else talk.
6
to hope or express hope for another person's success or happiness or pleasure on a particular occasion:

Examples:

We wish you every success in the future.
wish something to someone I didn't even see her to wish her a happy birthday/wish a happy birthday to her.
I wished her a safe journey and waved her off.
7
to hope someone will succeed:

Examples:

I wished him well with his new venture.
8
to hope that something you want will be made real because of good luck or magical powers:

Examples:

[ + that ] I remember blowing out the candles on my birthday cake and wishing that John Lee would be my boyfriend.
If I could wish myself anywhere in the world (= go anywhere as a result of making a wish) right now it would be somewhere hot and sunny.
wish for He's funny, bright, handsome - everything a girl could wish for really.
"Your job must be very glamorous." "I wish!" (= not at all.)
"By the time I'm 40, I'll be rich." "You wish!" (= There is no chance of that happening.)
9
to welcome someone with particular words or a particular action:

Examples:

He wishes me every morning.

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