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

"But next week we can finish the transfer window and hopefully we can get everything we need to complete the squad for the next months and the competitions we have."

From BBC

His grandparents will hopefully be at the Drygate show later, along with other family and friends.

From BBC

The child then feels more involved and aware of what is coming, even if they don't necessarily like it - meaning hopefully fewer tantrums.

From BBC

They heard the crackle and pop of somebody walking toward them through the dry pine needles on the forest floor, and the girls looked up hopefully.

From Literature

He notes that such opportunities—when United’s stock falls below what the company sees as a fair value—present themselves “hopefully less frequently,” Leskinen says.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• confidently
• surely