hope

Hope is a cognitive and motivational state characterized by a desire for a future outcome and a belief that it is attainable despite uncertainty. It helps sustain goal-directed behavior, promotes persistence, and can influence how people cope with setbacks.

The word derives from Old English hopian, related to the noun hope that appeared in Middle English. Its Germanic cognates include Dutch hoop and German Hoffnung, all reflecting notions of desire, expectation, or trust in a future event.

In psychology, hope is distinguished from simple optimism by its combination of goals, perceived agency, and perceived pathways. The prevailing framework, often called hope theory, identifies agency (the motivation to pursue goals) and pathways (the ability to find routes to those goals). Research links higher levels of hopeful thinking with better coping, resilience, and well-being, though exaggerated or misaligned hope can hinder adaptation when it ignores reality or practical constraints. Measurement tools such as the Herth Hope Index and the Snyder Hope Scale are used to assess components of hope in research and clinical settings.

In religious and philosophical contexts, hope is frequently considered a virtue or mode of outlook. In Christian theology, hope is one of the theological virtues, oriented toward future divine promises. Secular philosophy regards hope as a practical attitude toward uncertain futures, distinct from mere wishing or uncritical optimism.

culturally, hope appears as a pervasive motif in literature, art, journalism, and everyday speech, often linked with resilience, renewal, and the aspiration for better outcomes. It functions as a motivational resource, shaping decision-making and persistence across diverse life circumstances.