'Hopeful' definitions:

Definition of 'hopeful'

(from WordNet)
adjective
Having or manifesting hope; "a line of people hopeful of obtaining tickets"; "found a hopeful way of attacking the problem" [ant: hopeless]
adjective
Full or promise; "had a bright future in publishing"; "the scandal threatened an abrupt end to a promising political career"; "a hopeful new singer on Broadway" [syn: bright, hopeful, promising]
noun
An ambitious and aspiring young person; "a lofty aspirant"; "two executive hopefuls joined the firm"; "the audience was full of Madonna wannabes" [syn: aspirant, aspirer, hopeful, wannabe, wannabee]

Definition of 'Hopeful'

From: GCIDE
  • Hopeful \Hope"ful\, a.
  • 1. Full of hope, or agreeable expectation; inclined to hope; expectant. [1913 Webster]
  • Men of their own natural inclination hopeful and strongly conceited. --Hooker. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Having qualities which excite hope; affording promise of good or of success; as, a hopeful youth; a hopeful prospect. "Hopeful scholars." --Addison. -- {Hope"ful*ly}, adv. -- {Hope"ful*ness}, n. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'hopeful'

From: Moby Thesaurus