hopefully
adverb
Can hopefully mean 'I hope'?: Usage Guide
In the 1960s the second sense of hopefully ("it is hoped"), which dates to the early 18th century and had been in fairly widespread use since at least the 1930s, underwent a surge in popularity. A surge of criticism followed in reaction, but the criticism took no account of the grammar of adverbs. Hopefully when used to mean "it is hoped" is a member of a class of adverbs known as disjuncts. Disjuncts serve as a means by which the author or speaker can 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, 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
Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Another month is just about over, and hopefully, April showers will bring May flowers next week.
—K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 26 Apr. 2025
However, Criss explained at the time that his retirement from the touring circuit would hopefully result in its completion.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2025
The team is flying back to South Florida immediately after the game and there will be a media availability Friday afternoon, where hopefully more clarity will be provided.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2025
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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 4 May. 2025.
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hopefully
adverb
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