hopefully
UK: ˈhəʊpfəli | US: ˈhoʊpfəli
adv. 1. In a hopeful manner; with hope or optimism.
adv. 2. (Sentence adverb) It is hoped that; used to express a wish or expectation.
The word "hopefully" combines "hope" (from Old English hopa, meaning "expectation of good") + the suffix "-ful" (from Old English -full, meaning "full of") to form "hopeful" (adjective: "full of hope"). The adverbial suffix "-ly" (from Old English -līce) is then added to modify verbs or entire sentences. Over time, "hopefully" evolved from its literal sense ("in a hopeful manner") to a sentence adverb ("it is hoped that"), a usage that became standardized in modern English despite initial criticism.
She smiled hopefully at the job interviewer.
Hopefully, the weather will clear up by tomorrow.
He waited hopefully for the test results.
"Can we go to the park?" the child asked hopefully.
Hopefully, this project will be completed on time.