hopefully
Americanadverb
-
in a hopeful manner.
We worked hopefully and energetically, thinking we might finish first.
-
it is hoped; if all goes well.
Hopefully, we will get to the show on time.
adverb
-
in a hopeful manner
-
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.
The victim's mother said: "I know these things are scary but the sooner you speak out the quicker police can get the person and hopefully, in time, give closure."
From BBC
I'd just got injured, but he called me to say: 'I was going to bring you into the prep camp, but don't worry about your injury - hopefully there will be a next time.'
From BBC
Liverpool ambassador Ian Rush added: "I think our advantage is that the second leg is at home. I think the atmosphere at Anfield is second to none and, hopefully, that will come into it."
From BBC
"It's not a cure, but because I got a good remission, that hopefully means that I'll keep the cancer at bay for a good long time."
From BBC
“I thought it would be challenging and hopefully fun.”
From Los Angeles Times
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.
