Hoping for something that is unlikely to happen or desiring something without a realistic way to achieve it.
From 'wish' (Old English 'wyscan,' to desire) + the suffix '-ful' (full of). The phrase 'wishful thinking' became common in the early 20th century as a way to describe unrealistic hopes.
Psychologists discovered that 'wishful thinking' can actually help or hurt us: it boosts motivation and hope, but if we act on it without reality-checking, it leads to poor decisions and disappointment!
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