hope - something that could probably happen wish - something that probably won't happen I hope it is sunny tomorrow. I wish I could have a pet dinosaur.

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Wish is a concrete need, and hope is an emotion associated with the expectation of satisfying the need

often used interchangeably, but hope has an implication of "chance" wish has an implication of wanting and desire. both carry an implication of wanting or hoping something will happen/not happen/be true or not be true. That's why people more instinctively say after bad things happen or could happen. "I hope" they/he/she is/are OK. after car accidents/ train/plane crashes after someone goes to the hospital for cancer treatment and things of that nature. "I wish" you/them her/him well for a birthday, or for passing on your prayers, that general type of situation. edit: it's why we have "wishing wells" or fountains and​ not hoping wells.