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.
So by coming to them with a plan of action, you are hopefully addressing some of their anxiety, and also communicating that you want to make their life easier.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 21, 2026
"It's a very tough format to be consistent and over 23 years no-one's defended it so hopefully we can be the first this year."
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026
"We've been waiting a really long time for the MAX 10, and hopefully that wait is coming to an end," United Executive Vice President Andrew Nocella said on an earnings conference call.
From Barron's ● Jul. 16, 2026
"Future research will hopefully be able to confirm concepts developed in our study in human memory and show their implication in dementia."
From Science Daily ● Jul. 12, 2026
Besides, Percy and Annabeth were in Tartarus right now, hopefully still alive, trudging toward the Doors of Death.
From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan
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.
