Wishful \Wish"ful\, a. [Cf. {Wistful}.] 1. Having desire, or ardent desire; longing. 2. Showing desire; as, wishful eyes. From Scotland am I stolen, even of pure love To greet mine own land with my wishful sight. --Shak. 3. Desirable; exciting wishes. [R.] --Chapman. -- {Wish"ful*ly}, adv. -- {Wish"ful*ness}, n.
wishfulness n : an unrealistic yearning