1. in a way that shows desire for something that is unlikely to happen or be true

Examples

• She looked wishfully at the expensive dress in the store window.
• He spoke wishfully about traveling the world someday.
• The children gazed wishfully at the candy they couldn’t afford.
• She smiled wishfully when remembering her college days.
• He wishfully imagined what life would be like if he won the lottery.
• The old man stared wishfully at the photograph of his late wife.