Definition of expect
Short definition: The word expect means believing or thinking that something will happen, waiting for it with a certain feeling, or hoping for a result based on what usually or logically comes next.
Looking for a clear and real-life explanation of the word expect? The word expect is often used when we talk about what we think will happen, what we believe should happen, or what we hope for in the future. It can describe predictions, responsibilities, hopes, and even emotional preparation. In daily English, expect appears everywhere—from work situations and relationships to personal goals and life plans. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed, natural way with long examples that show how people really use this word.
Verb forms: expect, expects, expecting, expected
Related: expectation n., expectedly adv., expectant adj.
Syllable: ex-pect
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(Verb) To believe that something will happen in the future.
I expect the weather to improve this afternoon, so we can finally enjoy some time outdoors.She expects the project to be finished by Friday, even though there are still a few challenges to solve.They expected a quiet weekend, but unexpected visitors changed their plans.
Synonyms: anticipate, predict, foresee, look forward to, count on, assume, suppose, believe, imagine, think likely, be confident of, await
Antonyms: doubt, be surprised by, not foresee, dismiss the idea, rule out, underestimate, disbelieve, be unprepared for, ignore the possibility, misjudge, lose hope for, expect nothing -
(Verb) To think that someone should do something
as part of their responsibility or duty.
The teacher expects students to complete their homework before coming to class.He expects everyone on his team to communicate clearly and honestly.Parents naturally expect their children to show respect to others.
Synonyms: require, demand, look for, call for, insist on, assume responsibility from, set standards for, depend on, trust to do, hold accountable, count on behavior, impose expectations
Antonyms: allow freedom, make optional, not require, lower standards, excuse behavior, permit failure, overlook duties, relax rules, accept less, have no demands, let slide, tolerate -
(Verb) To hope for or look forward to something,
often with positive feelings.
She expects great things from the future, even though she knows life can be unpredictable.We expected a joyful celebration, and the event turned out even better than imagined.He expects to feel proud when he finally achieves his goal.
Synonyms: hope for, look forward to, anticipate gladly, dream of, wish for, long for, desire, aspire to, aim for, set hopes on, be optimistic about, await eagerly
Antonyms: fear, dread, worry about, expect the worst, lose hope, give up on, despair of, be pessimistic about, anticipate failure, feel hopeless, abandon hope, resign oneself -
(Verb) To prepare yourself mentally or emotionally
for something that may happen.
I expected bad news, so I tried to stay calm before opening the message.She expects criticism, but she still believes in her work.He learned to expect challenges, which made him stronger over time.
Synonyms: brace for, prepare for, be ready for, anticipate emotionally, steel oneself for, get ready for, plan for, gear up for, be mentally prepared, foresee impact, expect emotionally, get set for
Antonyms: be caught off guard, be unprepared, be shocked, be surprised badly, be blindsided, be unaware, not foresee impact, ignore warning signs, be careless, overlook risks, underestimate impact, stay naive -
(Figurative) To feel entitled to a certain outcome,
sometimes unrealistically.
He expects success without putting in the effort, which often leads to disappointment.Some people expect perfect results, even in difficult situations.She learned not to expect too much, and that helped her enjoy life more.
Synonyms: feel entitled to, assume will happen, take for granted, demand mentally, expect automatically, feel owed, presume success, anticipate without effort, believe is guaranteed, assume entitlement, feel deserving of, presume outcome
Antonyms: be humble, have realistic hopes, accept uncertainty, expect less, stay grounded, lower expectations, be modest, avoid entitlement, stay realistic, manage expectations, be flexible, stay open-minded