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

"It's going to be extra mad and extra emotional now, hopefully I can count on you to be there," he said.

From BBC

Port Vale manager Jon Brady, who was "still in shock" when interviewed after the match, said the players are "proving themselves" and "hopefully" they can turn their league form around.

From BBC

"It was our first experience of it and hopefully it's our last until next season."

From BBC

"It has been a very cold and damp winter, they were panicking any way - hopefully the spring kicks in now and the weather gets a bit warmer," she said.

From BBC

But red cards have to be given a more rigid framework for referees to work with, which would hopefully bring more consistency to decisions.

From BBC

Related Words

• confidently
• surely