nespère

Nespère is a coined term used in speculative fiction and cultural criticism to describe a paradoxical stance toward hope: a state in which resignation and action coexist. It refers to individuals or groups who continue to strive despite diminished expectations of success.

Etymology: The word appears to be a portmanteau derived from the French ne (not) and espérer (to hope). The -e ending and phonology align with French word formation, and the term began circulating in online glossaries and fan wikis in the 2010s and 2020s.

Usage and meaning: In literary analysis, nespère is used to describe characters who blend pragmatism with stubborn optimism, or communities that organize collective action under oppressive conditions without embracing naive hope. In political theory, it denotes praxis oriented toward change even when outcomes seem unlikely.

Reception: There is no formal consensus on a precise definition; the term is primarily descriptive and context-sensitive. It is seen by some as a useful lens for exploring resilience and political agency, by others as a rhetorical flourish with variable applicability.

See also: hope, despair, resilience, nihilism. Note that the term remains niche and its interpretation varies by text.