hopefully
[hohp-fuh-lee]
- 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.
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Origin of hopefully
Usage note
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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for hopefully
Contemporary Examples
Leapolitan responded by saying, “hopefully youll [sic] bite into a poison apple.”
Hopefully not overly close, but we talk about it in the episode how similar it is.
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISISMarlow Stern
January 8, 2015
Hopefully, she got as much of a laugh out of it as the rest of the world has.
Slow Motion Tiger Jump, a Tornado at the Rose Bowl and More Viral VideosThe Daily Beast Video
January 4, 2015
She was gonna be in New York and wanted to hang around for New Years and hopefully be able to stay long enough to meet our baby.
At least some people had seen the posting and failed to notify the authorities, hopefully because they had not taken it seriously.
Historical Examples
It seemed an age since he walked so hopefully away from the tent.
In the Midst of AlarmsRobert Barr
"The boys will surely save us," said Matilda Agnes, hopefully.
He took up the one containing the mixture and regarded it hopefully.
Kent Knowles: QuahaugJoseph C. Lincoln
"Not that I ain't seen things in my life," went on Asaph, hopefully.
Kent Knowles: QuahaugJoseph C. Lincoln
Hopefully, he suggested, "A mirage or sort of a mutual hallucination?"
The Hohokam DigTheodore Pratt
hopefully
- in a hopeful manner
- informal it is hopedhopefully they will be here soon
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usage
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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for hopefully
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper