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
Tori Latham, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2025
That’s what Mr Bates vs The Post Office proved, hopefully that’s what Adolescence proves.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2025
More power will hopefully mean better frame rates and more consistent gameplay.
—Will Greenwald, PCMAG, 19 Mar. 2025
Our commitment to education and inspiration, coupled with incredible celebrity partners, help reach more and more youthful minds that will hopefully grow up to be the scientists of tomorrow.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 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 3 Apr. 2025.
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hopefully
adverb
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