hopefully
Americanadverb
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in a hopeful manner.
We worked hopefully and energetically, thinking we might finish first.
-
it is hoped; if all goes well.
Hopefully, we will get to the show on time.
adverb
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in a hopeful manner
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informal it is hoped
hopefully they will be here soon
Usage
Although some strongly object to its use as a sentence modifier, hopefully meaning “it is hoped (that)” has been in use since the 1930s and is fully standard in all varieties of speech and writing: Hopefully, tensions between the two nations will ease. This use of hopefully is parallel to that of certainly, curiously, frankly, regrettably, and other sentence modifiers.
The use of hopefully to mean it is hoped used to be considered incorrect by some people but has now become acceptable in informal contexts
Etymology
Origin of hopefully
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hopefully you already know about this nutty clambake.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
Hopefully, you won’t need it, but knowing it’s there should provide some peace of mind.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
"It's looking good so far. I'm nervous. Hopefully they do it this time," Velez said ahead of the game.
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026
"Hopefully things will change now. Stormont can allocate more money for this type of thing."
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
Hopefully he won’t hear the lie in them.
From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
