espoirs

Espoirs is the French plural noun meaning hopes, expectations, or aspirations for the future. It is used to refer to both personal wishes and broader collective prospects, such as political, social, or cultural hopes. In everyday language, espoirs can denote optimistic beliefs about what may come, as well as the degree of certainty attached to those beliefs.

Etymology and form: Espoirs derives from the Latin spes, through Old French forms such as esper or espoir. The related verb espérer means to hope. The noun is masculine, with the singular l’espoir and the plural les espoirs.

Usage and context: Common expressions include avoir des espoirs (to have hopes), nourrir des espoirs or entretenir des espoirs (to nurture or foster hopes), and des espoirs déçus (disappointed hopes). The phrase bon espoir is used to indicate favorable prospects. In literature, journalism, and political discourse, espoirs often describe anticipated outcomes, whether personal dreams or national or ideological futures. The term can carry nuance, ranging from cautious optimism to idealistic aspiration.

Related terms: Espérance (hope, often more enduring or religious in nuance), espérer (to hope), and désespoir (despair). In translation, espoirs is typically rendered as “hopes” or “expectations” depending on context.

Overall, espoirs functions as a versatile word for expressing forward-looking sentiment, balancing possibility with the uncertainties of the future.