# hopefully

/ˈhoʊpfəɫi/ (US) · /hˈəʊpfəli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hopefully
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. it is hoped that

adverb · CEFR B1

you use this to say that you want something to happen or that you expect a good result.

For teachers: used as a disjunct or sentence adverb to indicate that the speaker or writer hopes the following statement is true.

- Hopefully, the weather will be sunny for our picnic this weekend.
- Hopefully, the new policy will address the systemic issues that have plagued the department for the last decade.

Usage: Usually placed at the beginning of a sentence to modify the entire clause.

### 2. in a hopeful way

adverb · CEFR B2

doing something in a way that shows you are full of hope or optimism.

For teachers: in a manner expressing hope, optimism, or expectation. This is the traditional manner-adverb use of the word.

- The small puppy looked up hopefully at the man holding a treat.
- The young entrepreneurs looked hopefully toward the panel of investors, waiting for a sign that their pitch had been successful.

Usage: Typically follows the verb it modifies.

## Examples

- Hopefully, the weather stays sunny for our picnic.
- The students looked hopefully at the teacher when she began to hand back the graded exams.
- While the team prepared for the worst, they continued to work hopefully toward a resolution that would satisfy both the investors and the local community.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.