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

However, fundamentally changing the way people interface with search, commerce and content online will require just that, entirely new revenue models, maybe, hopefully, some that are aligned, that are not advertising based. —Joe Marchese, Executive Chairman, Human Ventures, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025

This week, that debate will hopefully be laid to rest, when the White Stripes are inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — and Meg will finally get her due. —Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2025

And hopefully the administration will be a good partner in that endeavor. —Obed Manuel, NPR, 5 Nov. 2025

The third would be more about grace and hopefully being friends with God. —Dan Rys, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2025

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