Definition of Expect
The verb expect means to anticipate or look forward to something happening. It implies a belief that an event will occur based on reasoning, probability, or previous experience.
Key Definitions:
- To regard something as likely to happen.
- To anticipate the occurrence of an event.
- To consider something as reasonable or due.
- To assume or require something in advance.
Synonyms for Expect
Strongest Matches:
These words are closest in meaning to “expect” and can be used interchangeably in many contexts.
- Anticipate – To foresee and prepare for an occurrence.
- Await – To remain in readiness for something to happen.
- Foresee – To predict or visualize a future event.
- Predict – To declare something will happen in the future.
Strong Matches:
These synonyms are similar but may have slightly different nuances.
- Assume – To take for granted or accept without proof.
- Hope – To desire a certain outcome with confidence.
- Presume – To suppose something is true based on probability.
- Look forward to – To eagerly await an event.
Weak Matches:
These words share some relation to “expect” but are weaker in direct substitution.
- Demand – To require or insist upon something.
- Require – To consider something as necessary.
- Count on – To depend or rely on something happening.
- Trust – To have confidence in the outcome.
Example Sentences Using ‘Expect’
- I expect the package to arrive by tomorrow.
- The teacher expects all students to complete their assignments on time.
- We expect heavy rainfall this evening.
- Do you expect to be promoted soon?
- She expected him to apologize, but he never did.
Contextual Usage of ‘Expect’
- Formal: “We expect all guests to adhere to the dress code.”
- Casual: “I expect he’ll be late again.”
- Business: “The company expects a 20% increase in sales this quarter.”
- Scientific: “Researchers expect to see significant results from the experiment.”
Related Words and Phrases
- Expectation (noun) – The belief that something will happen.
- Expectancy (noun) – The state of anticipating an outcome.
- Expectedly (adverb) – In a way that was foreseen.
- Unexpectantly (adverb) – Contrary to what was anticipated.
- Unexpected (adjective) – Something that was not foreseen.
Additional Information
- Etymology: Derived from Latin exspectare, meaning “to look out for, await.”
- Common Collocations:
- Expect a call
- Expect results
- Expect no less
- Expect trouble
- Common Misconceptions:
- Expect does not always mean a positive anticipation; one can expect both good and bad outcomes.
Disclaimer:
This page is intended for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, synonyms and related words may have different connotations depending on context. Please refer to a professional linguistic resource for precise usage in specialized fields.
