hopefully
Americanadverb
-
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
-
in a hopeful manner
-
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.
Experts believe that the protective qualities that we associate with vaccines will work in cancer, hopefully creating lasting stretches of time before cancer comes back than what the currently available drugs can offer.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 23, 2026
“So, this is a huge area where identifying interventions that could hopefully add quality of life to the people impacted by this disorder would be tremendously impactful.”
From Science Daily ● Oct. 23, 2026
“I have a strong intention to do that and introduce a KPI, which hopefully has the maturity that the markets deserve and is a reliable indicator of the progress we’re making.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026
But some dreams will have to wait as the band goes back to making music, hopefully with lasting impact.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026
It’s a story that will hopefully satisfy you, so that you will let me go.
From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
