Language Research

wish · verb

/wɪʃ/Full view

wish (that)

B1 to want a situation that is different from the one that exists

Dictionary examples:

I wish that I was/were a bit taller.

I wish I didn't have to go to work today.

I wish he would leave.

I wish I had been there.

Learner example:

I wish you were here, then you could see how nice it is. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Chinese)

wish sb luck/success, etc.

B1 to say that you hope someone will be lucky, successful, etc.

Dictionary examples:

I wished him luck for his test.

I'm running in the 5000 metres - wish me luck!

Learner example:

I wish you luck for your exams. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

wish to do sth

B2 to want to do something

Dictionary examples:

I wish to make a complaint.

Passengers wishing to take the Kings Cross train should go to platform 9.

Learner example:

Dear Sir/Madam, I wish to apply for the post of helper which was advertised on the college noticeboard last Monday. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

wish · noun C

/wɪʃ/

best wishes

A2 something that you write at the end of a letter

Dictionary example:

With best wishes, Anna

Learner example:

With best wishes, (Key English Test; A2; Russian)

wish (WANT)

B2 what you want to do or what you want to happen

Dictionary examples:

Did he express any wish to see me?

The hospital always tries to respect the wishes of its patients.

It was his greatest wish that one of his grandchildren would become a doctor.

Learner example:

It was always his dream to become a singer and he [did] everything to make his wish come true. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

wish (SECRET)

C2 something that you say secretly to yourself about what you want to have or happen

Dictionary example:

She closed her eyes and made a wish.

Learner example:

I saw a star falling. I made a wish. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)