Words / B1

HOHPF-uh-lee/ˈhəʊpfəli/

Hopefully means in a hopeful way, and is widely used to mean “I hope that”: hopefully the remarks will be back. Hopeful is the adjective. Some teachers prefer I hope that in formal essays. Do not spell it hopefuly. Results day: hopefully remarks return in time.

Meaning

In a hopeful way; also used to mean “I hope that”.

Examples

• “Hopefully the remarks will be back before results day.”
• “She looked up hopefully, which is the “in a hopeful way” sense.”

Good to know

hopefully + clause (I hope). Manner: look hopefully. Adjective: hopeful. Formal alternative: I hope that. Exams: remarks / results.

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