Wish Meaning
Wish Definition & Usage
To long for or hope for something, often something unattainable or distant.
Examples
- "I wish I could travel to Paris someday."
- "She wishes for a better job opportunity."
- "They wish to see the world before they get too old."
- "He wishes he had studied harder in school."
- "I wish it wasn’t raining on our wedding day."
A longing or desire for something, often something unattainable or ideal.
Examples
- "Her wish is to become a famous artist."
- "His wish for world peace is shared by many."
- "I made a wish when I blew out the candles."
- "They granted his wish to visit the moon."
- "The wish for a better life motivated her to keep going."
To express a hope or desire for someone’s happiness, success, or good fortune.
Examples
- "I wish you a happy birthday!"
- "We all wish him success in his new job."
- "I wish you the best of luck with your move."
- "She wishes him a peaceful retirement."
- "They wished her a speedy recovery after the surgery."
Cultural Context
The word 'wish' has deep roots in many cultural practices, from making birthday wishes to the folklore surrounding the act of wishing on stars or blowing out candles on cakes. The tradition of wishing is prevalent in various forms around the world, symbolizing hope, dreams, and aspirations. In Western cultures, it is commonly associated with birthdays and New Year’s Eve celebrations, where making a wish signifies personal desires for the future.
The Birthday Wish
Story
The Birthday Wish
Emma had always been the most optimistic person in her group of friends. It was her 30th birthday, and as the candles flickered on the cake, her friends gathered around, their faces filled with laughter and anticipation. It was tradition—each year, everyone had to make a wish before blowing out the candles. Emma closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and made her wish, something that had been on her mind for months: that she would find the courage to start her own art gallery. Later that evening, as she sat with her closest friends, sipping tea and sharing stories of their childhood, Emma reflected on the many wishes she had made over the years. There had been wishes for new shoes, for a promotion at work, and for a perfect summer vacation. But this year, her wish felt different. It wasn’t about something she could get instantly—it was about something she truly hoped for, something she dreamed about daily. ‘What did you wish for, Emma?’ her friend Sarah asked, nudging her with a grin. ‘I can’t tell you,’ Emma replied, smiling mysteriously. ‘Otherwise, it won’t come true!’ Everyone laughed, but deep inside, Emma knew that this wish wasn’t just a fleeting thought—it was a goal. She had worked hard to get to this point, and the wish represented her future, her dreams. It was a long shot, but it was hers to chase. A few months later, Emma found herself in a new studio space, signing the lease for her very own art gallery. As she hung the first painting on the wall, she realized that her wish had come true. It had taken effort, resilience, and a lot of hard work, but her dream was now a reality. The candles, the cake, and the wish had been more than a ritual—they had been the spark that ignited a new chapter in her life. But sometimes, Emma still thought about the simpler wishes—the ones that were made in the quiet moments, when no one else was around to hear. The wish for peace, for love, and for happiness, those were the ones that mattered the most. And she wished, with all her heart, that everyone she loved would find their own version of happiness too.
