English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
Login Flashcards
adv B1 Intermediate Common

hopefully

HOHP-fuh-lee
Quiz me More like this

Hopefully (adv) means In a way that shows hope. Example: “He waited hopefully by the phone all evening.”

adv
1
In a way that shows hope.
"He waited hopefully by the phone all evening."
"The puppy looked up hopefully as she opened the biscuit tin."
""Is there any cake left?" he asked hopefully."
2
It is hoped that; used to mean "I hope" or "we hope".
"Hopefully, the flight won't be delayed."
"Hopefully we'll finish before the rain starts."
"Hopefully the shop will still be open when we get there."

How to use hopefully

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither "in a hopeful way" or, more commonly now, "I hope that".

Common mistake

Some careful writers still object to the "I hope" sense, insisting hopefully should only describe how someone acts. In everyday use, the "I hope" meaning is now completely standard.

When to use it

Formal writing sometimes avoids the sentence-adverb use; conversation and journalism use it freely.

Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like hopefully.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Comparative
more hopefully
Superlative
most hopefully
Test yourself on “hopefully” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He waited _____ by the phone all evening.

Etymology

From hopeful + -ly. The sentence-adverb use ("hopefully, it will work out") took off first in the US and is thought to echo the German word hoffentlich.

Origin: German

Synonyms

View more →
optimistically expectantly eagerly with hope with anticipation

Antonyms

hopelessly

Related words

readily desperately positively gladly eagerly hopelessly fain zealously

Rhymes for hopefully

gully fully sully bully cully Tully Scully awfully joyfully lawfully woefully fearfully
See all rhymes for hopefully →

Frequently asked questions

What does “hopefully” mean?
The word “hopefully” means in a way that shows hope. In plain terms, either "in a hopeful way" or, more commonly now, "I hope that".
How do you pronounce “hopefully”?
“Hopefully” is pronounced HOHP-fuh-lee (/ˈhoʊp.fə.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “hopefully” in a sentence?
Here is “hopefully” used in a sentence: “He waited hopefully by the phone all evening.”
What part of speech is “hopefully”?
“Hopefully” is an adverb.
Where does the word “hopefully” come from?
The word “hopefully” comes from German. From hopeful + -ly. The sentence-adverb use ("hopefully, it will work out") took off first in the US and is thought to echo the German word hoffentlich.
Is “hopefully” a common word?
“Hopefully” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “hopefully” have?
“Hopefully” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a way that shows hope.
What is the difference between the two uses of hopefully?
In its original sense, given here, "hopefully" means "in a hopeful manner," as in "she waited hopefully by the door." In modern usage it also works as a sentence adverb meaning "it is hoped that," as in "hopefully it won't rain." Both are widely accepted today, though some traditionalists prefer the first.
What is the difference between hopeful and hopefully?
"Hopeful" is an adjective describing a person or feeling — "she felt hopeful about the results." "Hopefully" is the adverb form, describing how an action is done — "she looked up hopefully." The simple test: adjectives describe nouns, adverbs describe verbs, so use "hopefully" when you mean the manner of doing something.
Is it correct to start a sentence with hopefully?
Yes, this is now widely accepted. For decades some critics objected to "Hopefully, we'll arrive on time," arguing it should only mean "in a hopeful manner." Today most style guides and dictionaries recognize the sentence-adverb use as standard English, though in very formal writing you may prefer "it is hoped that."

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include hopefully:

Words with German origins 9 letter words Words that start with H Words that end with Y The 5000 most common English words

People also searched

readily desperately positively gladly eagerly hopelessly fain zealously