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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hopefully

‘It’s a first-in-class approach that is hopefully going to change the world.’

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 21, 2026

Along the way, she reveals the various psychological and technological tactics these scammers use, hopefully arming potential victims with information to help them see through any ruses.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 20, 2026

There was no passing backwards or square, and hopefully any young coaches watching will have been influenced by both teams' urgency to play forward.

From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2026

But hopefully when Ohtani’s knee barks next time, he won’t pitch through it.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

From the stories, Jack knew the man would eventually track them down, but finding their trail in the dark would take a while, and hopefully they’d find some kind of safety first.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

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Related Words

• confidently
• surely

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