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Definition of hopefully

hopefully

/ˈhoʊp.fə.li/
hope · ful · ly
Adjective:hopeful
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hopefully Lexical Profile

hopefully Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

It is to be hoped that; used as a sentence adverb to express a wish or expectation that a stated event or outcome will occur.

Example

"Hopefully, the new public transit line will reduce morning traffic congestion."

2

In a hopeful manner; with a feeling of optimism and expectation.

Example

"The students waited hopefully for the scholarship committee to announce the results."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hopefully
Antonyms
View all antonyms for hopefully

Word Nuance & Usage

While used globally as a sentence adverb meaning "it is to be hoped that," some traditional style guides advise avoiding this sense in formal writing in favor of explicit phrasing such as "I hope that."

• Rhymes for hopefully

• Nearby Words

hop
hope
hopeful
hopefully
hopefulness
hopeless
hopelessly

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hopefully. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hopefully
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