hopefully
adverb
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
Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026
That would hopefully improve the flow of crude, lower oil’s price and remove some of the upward pressure on inflation that’s hurting the world.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
The committee ultimately decided not to take formal action and to revisit the matter later this year, hopefully with clarity on whether the project qualifies for STAR bond funding and on whether the parties can reach an agreement on the land’s sale price.
—Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
The Sagamore was reduced to ashes twice before its final form was constructed in the 1920s (hopefully the third time’s a charm).
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
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Hopefully
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Cite this Entry
“Hopefully.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hopefully. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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hopefully
adverb
