Meaning of Word
“Expect” means to look forward to something happening or to believe that something will occur in the future, often based on probability or prior knowledge.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- To Anticipate: To believe that something will happen in the future or to look forward to it with confidence.
- To Assume or Believe: To consider something likely to happen, often with a sense of responsibility or obligation.
- To Await: To wait for something with the expectation that it will occur.
History and Origin
The word “expect” comes from the Latin expectare, meaning “to look out for” or “to await,” which is a combination of ex- (out) and spectare (to look at). The term evolved into Old French as expecter and was used in English by the 14th century. The word originally conveyed the idea of anticipating or waiting for something with eager or purposeful attention.
Detailed Explanation
To “expect” is to anticipate an event or outcome, typically with a belief that it is likely or certain to happen. It can be used in various contexts, such as expecting a guest to arrive, anticipating a result from an action, or preparing for a future event based on prior knowledge or plans. Expectation is often linked to hope, responsibility, or duty, suggesting that what is anticipated is something that should happen or is expected due to circumstances.
Expecting something can also imply a certain level of preparedness, where one is mentally or physically ready for what is to come. For example, expecting a test result may come with feelings of anxiety or hope, while expecting a delivery may involve waiting for it to arrive at a specific time.
Example Sentences
- I expect the package to arrive by tomorrow.
- He expected that his proposal would be accepted.
- The teacher expects the students to complete their homework on time.
- We expect sunny weather for the weekend.
- She is expecting a child in the next few months.
- They didn’t expect such a warm welcome from the community.
- I expect you to arrive at the meeting promptly.
- The doctor expects a full recovery from the patient.
- Don’t expect any more surprises; that was the last one.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Anticipate: To look forward to or expect something with eagerness or preparation.
- Await: To wait for something with the belief that it will happen.
- Hope: To desire or expect something to happen, often with uncertainty.
- Predict: To forecast or state that something is likely to happen, based on knowledge or data.
- Assume: To take something for granted or believe it will happen, sometimes without proof.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Belief: A firm conviction that something is true or will happen, closely tied to expectations.
- Obligation: A responsibility or expectation that something will be done.
- Plan: A strategy or arrangement made based on expectations of a future outcome.
- Readiness: Being prepared or expectant of something to happen.
- Confidence: A feeling of certainty or belief in an expected outcome.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Look forward to: A phrase used to express excited expectation of something.
- Prepare for: To get ready for something expected to happen.
- Expectancy: The state of being expectant or hopeful about something.
- Forecast: To predict or expect future events, often related to weather or outcomes.
- Suppose: To think or assume something is likely to happen, often based on available information.
Antonyms
- Doubt: To be uncertain or unsure about something happening, the opposite of expecting.
- Disbelieve: To not believe that something will happen or is likely to occur.
- Ignore: To disregard or fail to anticipate an event or outcome.
- Surprise: To be caught off guard by an event, the opposite of expecting.
- Neglect: To fail to prepare or anticipate something, leaving it unaddressed.
