Believer in American dream is hopeful (5)
I believe the answer is:
amish
'believer' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'in american dream is hopeful' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'AMISH' is hidden within 'american dream is hopeful'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for amish that I've seen before include "Religious group" , "One 24 [IN-SECT]" , "Relating to a strict US Mennonite sect" , "American religious sect" , "US sectarians" .)