Wished-for / Wishful
I wrote this sentence "In 2019, the most popular wishful present was money."

But person corrected me "In 2019, the most popular wished-for present was money" (It is almost the same sentence, but instead of "wishful" there is "wished-for")

Why I shouldn't use "wishful" in this sentence? And why I should use "wished-for"?

Thank you!

Question

Wished-for / Wishful
I wrote this sentence "In 2019, the most popular wishful present was money."

But person corrected me "In 2019, the most popular wished-for present was money" (It is almost the same sentence, but instead of "wishful" there is "wished-for")

Why I shouldn't use "wishful" in this sentence?  And why I should use "wished-for"?

Thank you!

Answer

“Wishful” means “unrealistically hoping for a good outcome.”  It is usually used only in the phrase “wishful thinking.”  Example:  “He thinks he is going to get the promotion, but that’s just wishful thinking.  He is not qualified.”   “Wished-for” means “wanted” or “desired,” and so it is the right word for your sentence.

Answers · 2

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!