Meaning & Definition of Expect in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To anticipate the occurrence of something.

  Example Sentence: I expect it to rain tomorrow.

• Definition: To consider something to be obligatory.

  Example Sentence: We expect you to complete the project by Friday.

• Definition: To look forward to something.

  Example Sentence: She is expecting a promotion soon.

• Definition: To require as appropriate or due.

  Example Sentence: Teachers expect students to behave in class.

• Definition: To regard as probable.

  Example Sentence: They expect an increase in sales this quarter.

Etymology

Origin: From Latin 'expectare', meaning 'to await, look out for', from 'ex-' (out) + 'spectare' (to look at).

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• expect the unexpected: Be prepared for anything, as surprises are likely.
• expect nothing: Do not anticipate any outcomes, often used to lower one's hopes.
• expect the worst: Prepare for the worst-case scenario.

Translations

• Spanish: esperar

• French: s'attendre à

• German: erwarten

• Russian: ожидать

Related Words

• expectation: A belief that something will happen.

• expected: Regarded as likely to happen.

• expectant: Having or showing an excited feeling that something good is about to happen.

Slang Meanings of expect

• Meaning: To be bet on something happening.

  Example Sentence: I'm expecting to see him at the party tonight.

• Meaning: To be sure of something.

  Example Sentence: You better expect that she'll be late.