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.

---

hopefully British  

/ ˈhəʊpfʊlɪ /

adverb

1. in a hopeful manner

2. 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

First recorded in 1630–40; hopeful + -ly

Example Sentences

Well, thank you for speaking to me today and hopefully we've dispelled a few myths.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Ownership matters, Mason notes, as “Alchemy” will not be tied to a new release or tour and hopefully have a shelf life.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

“He told me that on the plane here,” Robertson says, “and it’s so true. The show has pulled me so close to people I’ll hopefully have in my life forever.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

For various reasons, some will lose their current jobs, but for the masses AI hopefully will be more of an aid than a scourge for a long while.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Putting me in the perfect position to, hopefully, make everybody forget how brilliant she is on the cello and, maybe, just maybe, make this my night to shine!

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• confidently
• surely