Hopefully

Definition

Hopefully is an adverb that indicates a desire or wish for something to happen or be the case.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhoʊpfəli/
• Respelling: HOPE-fuh-lee (with "HOPE" as in "hope," "fuh" as in "sofa," and "lee" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhəʊpfəli/
• Respelling: HOPE-fuh-lee (with "HOPE" as in "hope," "fuh" as in "sofa," and "lee" as in "see")

In both dialects, "hopefully" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "HOPE." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "HOPE-fuh-lee."

Etymology

The term "hopefully" is derived from the Middle English word "hope" combined with the adverbial suffix "-ly". The word "hope" has its origins in Old English, stemming from "hoppian" meaning "to wish, expect, or look forward".

Derivatives

• Hopeful (adjective)
• Hopefulness (noun)
• Hope (noun, verb)
• Hopeless (adjective)
• Hopelessly (adverb)

Synonyms

• Expectantly
• Optimistically
• With anticipation

Antonyms

• Pessimistically
• Despairingly
• Doubtfully

Usage

The term "hopefully" is often used at the beginning of a sentence to express a wish or hope about the future. It can also describe an action done in a hopeful manner.

Related Terms

• Expectation
• Aspiration
• Ambition
• Desire
• Confidence

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• Expressing a Wish or Desire: Used to indicate that one hopes something will happen.
  • Example: Hopefully, the weather will be nice for the picnic tomorrow.

• In a Hopeful Manner: Describing an action done with hope or optimism.
  • Example: She looked at her test results hopefully, expecting good news.

‍Note: While "hopefully" is primarily used to describe an action done with hope, it has also evolved as a sentence adverb, especially in American English, to indicate a wish or hope for a situation or event.