Hopefully — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ˈhōp-fə-lē/ hope·ful·ly

Meaning & Definition of Hopefully

Hopefully (adverb)

  1. in a way that expresses desire with an expectation of fulfillment, in a hopeful manner
  2. it is hoped, I hope, we hope

Hopefully (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. in a positive or optimistic manner

    "They waited hopefully for the doctor to update them on their friend's condition."

    "When the sun appeared, we asked hopefully if everyone remembered to bring sunblock."

    similar: optimistically, sanguinely, amusedly, exuberantly, giddily, gigglingly, joyfully, joyously, bullishly, confidently, expectantly, positively, blithely, blithesomely, breezily, gladly, gladsomely, laughingly, lightheartedly, sunnily, amicably, friendlily, friendly, good-humoredly, good-naturedly, jocularly, blissfully, elatedly, euphorically, rapturously, brightly, cheerfully, cheerily, gaily, happily, heartily, jocosely, jovially, merrily, mirthfully, smilingly
    opposite: blackly, dismally, drearily, gloomily, pessimistically, abjectly, dejectedly, despondently, disconsolately, dispiritedly, wretchedly, dolefully, dolorously, forlornly, mournfully, plaintively, sorrowfully, dourly, glumly, mirthlessly, sourly, sternly, sulkily, sullenly, bleakly, cheerlessly, darkly, heavily, miserably, morosely, unhappily

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Hopefully

The most common words with a similar meaning to Hopefully:

optimistically, sanguinely, amusedly, exuberantly, giddily, gigglingly, joyfully, joyously, bullishly, confidently, expectantly, positively, blithely, blithesomely, breezily, gladly, gladsomely, laughingly, lightheartedly, sunnily, amicably, friendlily, friendly, good-humoredly, good-naturedly, jocularly, blissfully, elatedly, euphorically, rapturously, brightly, cheerfully, cheerily, gaily, happily, heartily, jocosely, jovially, merrily, mirthfully

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Hopefully

Words with the opposite meaning of Hopefully:

blackly, dismally, drearily, gloomily, pessimistically, abjectly, dejectedly, despondently, disconsolately, dispiritedly, wretchedly, dolefully, dolorously, forlornly, mournfully, plaintively, sorrowfully, dourly, glumly, mirthlessly, sourly, sternly, sulkily, sullenly, bleakly, cheerlessly, darkly, heavily, miserably, morosely

Origin & Etymology of Hopefully

First known use: 1593

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Hopefully

Frequently Asked Questions about Hopefully

What does "Hopefully" mean?

"Hopefully" means in a way that expresses desire with an expectation of fulfillment, in a hopeful manner. As an adverb, it is defined as: in a way that expresses desire with an expectation of fulfillment, in a hopeful manner.

What is another word for "Hopefully"?

Other words for "Hopefully" include optimistically, sanguinely, amusedly, exuberantly, giddily, gigglingly, joyfully and joyously. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Hopefully" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Hopefully"?

There are 41 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Hopefully". Common alternatives include optimistically, sanguinely, amusedly, exuberantly, giddily, gigglingly, joyfully, joyously, bullishly and confidently.

What is the opposite of "Hopefully"?

Antonyms of "Hopefully" include blackly, dismally, drearily, gloomily, pessimistically, abjectly, dejectedly and despondently.

How do you use "Hopefully" in a sentence?

Examples of "Hopefully" in a sentence: "They waited hopefully for the doctor to update them on their friend's condition."; "When the sun appeared, we asked hopefully if everyone remembered to bring sunblock.".

Is "Hopefully" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Hopefully" is an adverb.

Is "Hopefully" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Hopefully" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Hopefully"?

"Hopefully" is pronounced /ˈhōp-fə-lē/ and divided into syllables as hope·ful·ly.