Hopefully
/ˈhəʊpfəli/
Definitions
Used to express the desire or expectation that something will happen.
/ˈhəʊpfəli/
Expressing a feeling of hope; it is hoped
Hopefully, we'll get the results of the test soon.
💡 Simply: It's like saying 'I really wish' or 'I'm keeping my fingers crossed' that something good will happen. Like, "Hopefully, the pizza arrives soon!" which means you really want that pizza to show up.
👶 For kids: When you say 'hopefully,' it means you're wishing that something will happen! Like, 'Hopefully, it will be sunny tomorrow!'
More Examples
Hopefully, the train won't be delayed.
Hopefully, she will understand my point of view.
How It's Used
"Hopefully, the weather will be better tomorrow."
"Hopefully, you can make it to the party."
Idioms & expressions
fingers crossed
To wish for good luck or a positive outcome.
"I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I pass my exam."
From "hope" + "-fully". The suffix "-fully" indicates a manner or degree. The word evolved from expressing a manner of hoping to expressing the speaker's hope that something will happen.
The use of "hopefully" to express hope rather than describing the manner of hoping became more widespread in the 20th century, sometimes causing controversy among purists.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'hope'. This adverb adds the feeling to the action, like 'I hope this works, hopefully it will!'
Word Origin
"to expect with confidence; desire"