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 goal was hopefully to make it as a musician and be able to hold that weight for her. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2026

Mendoza projects as a great fit in Klint Kubiak’s offense and, hopefully, signals a new era of stability for this franchise. —The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026

The Yuba Water Agency expects a couple of dry days starting now to continue — and hopefully complete — cleanup of the oil and debris captured at Englebright Dam, Whittlesey told The Sacramento Bee. —Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 19 Feb. 2026

So the way, hopefully, the schedule is set up, will give us the opportunity to give you gymnastics on NBC, and not miss key swimming finals. —Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 18 Feb. 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