hopefully

American  

[hohp-fuh-lee] / ˈhoʊp fə li /

adverb

1. in a hopeful manner.

   We worked hopefully and energetically, thinking we might finish first.

2. it is hoped; if all goes well.

   Hopefully, we will get to the show on time.

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hopefully British  

/ ˈhəʊpfʊlɪ /

adverb

1. in a hopeful manner

2. informal it is hoped

   hopefully they will be here soon

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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

First recorded in 1630–40; hopeful + -ly

Example Sentences

So when you get lucky enough to win, and you’re part of that 5%, you pinch yourself to how lucky and how amazing that experience was and hopefully could be again.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

With your support, though, she has a better chance of building a future that brings her security—and hopefully some peace.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 25, 2026

"Thank you to my brilliant teatime listeners who hopefully will join me at breakfast for excellent music and all my usual nonsense plus some superstar guests."

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

“So hopefully we get back home, play well.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

We swap book recommendations as we walk out of the library, and it comes out that we’re both in the honors track for ninth grade, so hopefully we’ll have some classes together.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• confidently
• surely