expect — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To predict or believe that something will happen

   Usage

   • Transitive or intransitive

   Synonyms

   anticipatehopelook forbargain for

   Examples

   when you least expect it

   I expect to be able to walk again after getting over my broken leg.

   More examples (5)

   The hostage is expected to be released later today.

   I expect it'll rain this weekend, but I hope it won't.

   I did not expect you'd come before I asked you to, but do expect you to apologize for it.

   “[…] They talk of you as if you were Croesus—and I expect the beggars sponge on you unconscionably.” And Vickers launched forth into a tirade very different from his platform utterances. He spoke with extreme contempt of the dense stupidity exhibited on all occasions by the working classes.

   And temperatures are expected to keep rising.

2. To consider obligatory or required.

   Synonyms

   call fordemand

   Examples

   England expects that every man will do his duty.

   More examples (1)

   I was born and immediately thrown into a society that makes its own rules, standards, and expectations. I am expected to behave. I am expected to deliver. I am expected to live up to the contrived standards of the society.

3. To consider reasonably due.

   Synonyms

   hopewantwish

   Examples

   My parents expected too much of me when I was in college.

   You are expected to get the task done by the end of next week.

   More examples (1)

   How am I expected to reach the next level?

4. To be pregnant, to consider a baby due.

   Usage

   • of a woman or couple

   Examples

   We are expecting our third in June.

   “You are pregnant?” he asked with shock in his voice. “Yes, Justin, I am expecting a child,”

5. To wait for; to await.

   Usage

   • Obsolete
   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   await

   Examples

   Let's in, and there expect their coming.

   More examples (2)

   The knight fixed his eyes on the opening with breathless anxiety, and continuing to kneel in the attitude of devotion which the place and scene required, expected the consequence of these preparations.

   You keep on making me expect you again and again. Only the other day, when I thought you on the point of arriving I was suddenly put off by you till Quintilis (July).

6. To wait; to stay.

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • Obsolete

   Synonyms

   wait

   Examples

   I will 'expect until my change in death, / And answer at Thy call

Verb

1. regard something as probable or likely

   Synonyms

   anticipate

   Broader terms

   evaluatepass judgmentjudge

   Examples

   The meteorologists are expecting rain for tomorrow

2. consider obligatory; request and expect

   Synonyms

   askrequire

   Broader terms

   demand

   Examples

   We require our secretary to be on time

   Aren't we asking too much of these children?

   More examples (1)

   I expect my students to arrive in time for their lessons

3. look forward to the probable occurrence of

   Synonyms

   lookawaitwait

   Broader terms

   thinkcogitatecerebrate

   Examples

   We were expecting a visit from our relatives

   She is looking to a promotion

   More examples (1)

   he is waiting to be drafted

4. consider reasonable or due

   Broader terms

   seeconsiderreckonviewregard

   Examples

   I'm expecting a full explanation as to why these files were destroyed

5. look forward to the birth of a child

   Broader terms

   lookawaitwait

   Examples

   She is expecting in March

6. be pregnant with

   Synonyms

   have a bun in the ovenbearcarrygestate

   Broader terms

   give birthdeliverbearbirthhave

   Examples

   She is bearing his child

   They are expecting another child in January

   More examples (1)

   I am carrying his child