wish*/*/*/

[wɪʃ] verb I

1) [T] to want something to happen although it is unlikely

I wish I was rich![/ex]

Andy wished that he could think of a way of helping.[/ex]

I wish Beth would stop interfering.[/ex]

2) [T] used for saying that you feel sorry or disappointed about something that you did or did not do

I wish I'd never come![/ex]

Now he wished that he had listened more carefully.[/ex]

3) [I/T] formal

to want something, or to want to do something

You may attend the meeting if you wish.[/ex]

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss the matter.[/ex]

4) [T]wish sb sth used for saying that you hope someone enjoys something or that something good happens to them

May I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.[/ex]

I wish you every success.[/ex]

The crowd wished them well as they left for their honeymoon.[/ex]

•

I wish — used for saying that something is not true, although you would be pleased if it were true[/ex]

'Did she give you some money?' 'I wish!'[/ex]

you wish — spoken used for telling someone that the thing that they want to happen is completely impossible[/ex]

'I told Ben that Sally was my girlfriend.' 'You wish!'[/ex]

- wish for sth

II

noun [C]

wish */[wɪʃ]

1) a feeling that you want something or want to do something

He'd expressed a wish to go there.[/ex]

I have to respect the wishes of my client.[/ex]

See:

death wish

2) the thing that you want to have or to do

Our one wish is to find a cure for this disease.[/ex]

3) something that you hope will happen by magic or by the power of your mind

Make a wish and then blow out the candles.[/ex]

•

best wishes — 1) used for saying that you hope that something good will happen to someone[/ex]

Please give them our best wishes for the happy day.[/ex]

— 2) a friendly and polite way of ending a letter or email

best wishes — used as a polite and friendly greeting before you sign your name on a letter or card[/ex]