hopefully
Americanadverb
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in a hopeful manner.
We worked hopefully and energetically, thinking we might finish first.
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it is hoped; if all goes well.
Hopefully, we will get to the show on time.
adverb
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in a hopeful manner
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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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Petrie-Morris announced that Fairground’s first products would riff on beloved public domain characters—Robin Hood, etc.—and then hopefully earn access to established IP through studio partnerships.
From Slate ● Aug. 16, 2026
“It will be unique and different in Japan, and hopefully, they like hot dogs as much as Americans do, and they like the authenticity of Pink’s, the history, the Hollywood connection,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026
"This will hopefully engender trust with those organizations that are responsible for preserving these historic documents."
From Science Daily ● Aug. 11, 2026
As he walked in to court, he refused to answer questions but gave a thumbs up and said: "Wish me luck guys. See you soon, hopefully."
From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026
“On the other hand,” he added hopefully, “perhaps it is not. They did say they had a number of other cauldrons and kettles lying about. I mean, we shouldn’t want to make a mistake.”
From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
