good hope: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal, sometimes literary or elevated; can also appear in common conversational contexts.
Quick answer
What does “good hope” mean?
A feeling or attitude of positive expectation and optimism for the future.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A feeling or attitude of positive expectation and optimism for the future.
A disposition marked by confident expectation of a desirable outcome; the emotional state of looking forward to something with a sense of promise; sometimes used in proper nouns for places (Cape of Good Hope) or organizations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The phrase is used similarly in both varieties. It may appear slightly more often in British English in certain formal or literary contexts, but this is marginal.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of sturdy, well-founded optimism. In both varieties, it can sound somewhat elevated or solemn compared to simple "hope."
Frequency
Low to medium frequency in both varieties, primarily found in written texts, speeches, or formal discourse rather than casual conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “good hope” in a Sentence
[Subject] has good hope (for/of [object])[Subject] does something with good hope (that [clause])In/With good hope, [subject] [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “good hope” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They good-hope their endeavours will succeed. (Note: extremely rare/archaic as verb; not standard modern use.)
American English
- (Not used as a verb in standard modern American English.)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- They maintained a good-hope attitude throughout the ordeal. (Note: hyphenated compound adjective, rare.)
American English
- The good-hope investors backed the startup. (Note: hyphenated compound adjective, rare.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal corporate communications or mission statements: 'We proceed with good hope for the new fiscal year.'
Academic
Found in philosophical, theological, or historical texts discussing states of mind, virtues, or historical narratives (e.g., voyages of discovery).
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech. Might be used for deliberate emphasis: 'We sent off our application with good hope.'
Technical
Not applicable in most technical fields. Potential use in psychology or positive behavioural science discussing constructs of optimism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “good hope”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “good hope”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “good hope”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'a good hope result' – incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'high hopes'. 'Good hope' implies quality of the feeling; 'high hopes' implies degree of expectation.
- Overusing in casual contexts where 'hope' alone suffices.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is relatively uncommon in casual speech. The single word 'hope' is far more frequent. 'Good hope' is used for deliberate, often formal or literary, emphasis.
The most famous use is in the geographical name 'Cape of Good Hope', the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa, named by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias.
Not exactly. 'Good hope' refers to the quality or nature of the hope (it is well-founded, positive). 'High hopes' refers to the intensity or level of expectation (expecting a lot). You can have 'good hope' without 'high hopes', and vice versa.
It is grammatically possible but stylistically marked. The phrase is usually used in an uncountable way ('with good hope', 'full of good hope'). Using an article ('a good hope') makes it sound more like a specific instance or object of hope and is even rarer.
A feeling or attitude of positive expectation and optimism for the future.
Good hope is usually formal, sometimes literary or elevated; can also appear in common conversational contexts. in register.
Good hope: in British English it is pronounced /ɡʊd həʊp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡʊd hoʊp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pin one's hopes on something”
- “Hope against hope”
- “Hope springs eternal”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'Cape of Good Hope' – a place named by explorers who had 'good hope' of finding a sea route.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOPE IS A JOURNEY (embarking with good hope), HOPE IS LIGHT (good hope illuminates the future), HOPE IS A CONTAINER (filled with good hope).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'good hope' LEAST likely to be used naturally?