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

The former Penn State standout has accumulated just 10 sacks in his brief NFL career, a number that hopefully the presence of edge rushers such as Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips has significantly impacted. —Miami Herald, 28 May 2026

And see if there’s anything me or anybody else can hopefully do to smooth things over. —Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026

Their clothes might change, or their hair might change, and their jokes hopefully will change. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 May 2026

While a handful of states offer more straightforward pathways to flip seats, Democrats are once again looking hopefully at the Lone Star State. —Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Video

Hopefully

We believe the popular usage of this word is correct

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