hoped

Hoped is the past tense and past participle of the verb hope. It expresses a desire for a future outcome that existed in the past. For example: She hoped to arrive on time.

Etymology and related forms: The verb hope originates from Old English hopian, with cognates in other Germanic languages such as Dutch hoop and German hoffen. The noun form hope and the related adjective hopeful share the same roots, reflecting a long-standing sense of expectancy.

Grammar and usage: Hoped is used to describe past actions or states of anticipation. It can take that-clauses: I hoped that she would come, and to-infinitives: I hoped to see them. It forms perfect tenses with have: I have hoped for better news, or I had hoped to finish earlier. In reported speech, it often appears as: He said he hoped to win. In negative constructions, one may say: I did not hope for much, or the older form I hoped not.

Nuances and idioms: Hoped conveys a level of uncertainty or longing rather than certainty. It is usually appropriate when describing past expectations rather than definite outcomes. Common idioms related to hope include hope against hope and hope for the best, which reflect ongoing or optimistic attitudes in the face of doubt.

See also: Hope (word), Wish (linguistics), Confidence in language.