hopefully
/ˈhəʊp.fə.li/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
In a hopeful manner.
Adverb
Examples
‘In fifteen minutes I will be at the carpark, sitting hopefully inside a puce Reliant Scimitar.’
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
It is hoped that; I hope; we hope.
Adverb
Examples
Hopefully, my father will arrive in time for the show.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “hopefully” mean?
In a hopeful manner.
Is “hopefully” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.