hopefully

[ hohp-fuh-lee ]

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

/ ˈhəʊpfʊlɪ /

adverb

1. in a hopeful manner
2. informal.
   it is hoped

   hopefully they will be here soon

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.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hopefully¹

First recorded in 1630–40; hopeful + -ly

Example Sentences

Leapolitan responded by saying, “hopefully youll [sic] bite into a poison apple.”

From The Daily Beast

Hopefully not overly close, but we talk about it in the episode how similar it is.

From The Daily Beast

Hopefully, she got as much of a laugh out of it as the rest of the world has.

From The Daily Beast

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.

From The Daily Beast

At least some people had seen the posting and failed to notify the authorities, hopefully because they had not taken it seriously.

From The Daily Beast

He was hanging around by the cab stand above 96th on the west side of Broadway, waiting hopefully.

From Project Gutenberg

But he cultivated all sorts and conditions of men, and hopefully trained himself for the enthusiastic moment.

From Project Gutenberg

There was to be a great drive along the entire Front, and hopefully one would return home in time for the spring planting.

From Project Gutenberg

He was cheerful, pleasant, and looked hopefully forward to a time when he could have another go at a lion.

From Project Gutenberg

Even as late as eleven o'clock that night Stanton was still hopefully expecting an answer.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• confidently
• surely