hopefully

adverb

hope·​ful·​ly ˈhōp-fə-lē 

1

: in a way that expresses desire with an expectation of fulfillment : in a hopeful manner

gazed up at us hopefully

2

: it is hoped : I hope : we hope

hopefully the rain will end soon

Can hopefully mean 'I hope'?: Usage Guide

In the 1960s the second sense of hopefully ("it is hoped"), which dates to the 17th century and has been in fairly widespread use since at least the 1930s, underwent a surge in popularity. A surge of criticism followed in reaction, despite the fact that this use is grammatically sound. Hopefully when used to mean "it is hoped" is a member of a class of adverbs and adverbial phrases known as disjuncts. Disjuncts provide a means for the author or speaker to comment directly to the reader or hearer usually on the content of the sentence to which they are attached. Many other adverbs (such as interestingly, frankly, clearly, luckily, and unfortunately) are similarly used; most are so ordinary as to excite no comment or interest whatsoever. The "it is hoped" sense of hopefully is entirely standard.

Examples of hopefully in a Sentence

They gazed up at us hopefully.

Hopefully, things will get better soon.

Recent Examples on the Web

July will be a particularly lucky time for me, filled with abundance—and hopefully opportunities for love to blossom. —Rebecca Fearn, SELF, 8 Jan. 2026

Quick told People, however, that her decision to go public with her daughter's condition was aimed at spreading awareness and hopefully finding a cure. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026

The plan is for construction of the project to be put out to bid in March, with construction hopefully beginning in the fall, according to Haberkern. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026

The goal is to highlight Karrie’s features that will hopefully impress the judges and even have an opportunity to lessen the impact of anything that might lower his score. —Chris Torres, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Video

Hopefully

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Kids Definition

hopefully

adverb

hope·​ful·​ly ˈhōp-fə-lē 

1

: in a hopeful manner

a dog looking hopefully for a tidbit

2

: I hope : we hope

hopefully it won't rain tomorrow