Is 'Hopefully' correct?

Look at this sentence:

To travel hopefully is to travel in peace.

Now this sentence can have two meanings:

Meaning 1 - 'Hopefully' is used as an adverb to modify the verb 'travel'. Thus the sentence is saying that to travel filled with hope is to travel in peace.

Meaning 2 - Another usage of 'Hopefully' can be to modify the entire sentence. Thus the sentence could also be saying that it is hoped that to travel is to travel in peace.

Technically the first meaning is correct and the second meaning is wrong, though we mostly use it like that.

For example :

1. Hopefully, India will win the world cup.
   
   
2. I will top the exam hopefully.
   

Both the above sentences are incorrect because 'hopefully' is modifying the entire sentence.


To Sum it Up:

1. 'Hopefully' should always mean 'full of hope' and NEVER 'it is hoped' or 'I hope'.
   
   
2. The use of 'Hopefully' is almost always incorrect on the GMAT so if confused avoid it.