expect Definition
- 1to believe that something will happen or someone will arrive
- 2to think that something should happen or be the case
- 3to require something as rightfully due or appropriate
Using expect: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "expect" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I expect him to arrive any minute now.
Example
I didn't expect to see you here!
Example
We expect everyone to be on time for the meeting.
Example
I expect an apology from him for his behavior.
Example
She expects a promotion after all her hard work.
expect Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for expect
Antonyms for expect
Phrases with expect
be prepared for surprising events or situations
Example
Life is unpredictable, so it's best to expect the unexpected.
Example
He failed the test again. What do you expect? He never studies.
beyond/above (one's) expectations
better or more successful than one thought possible
Example
The new restaurant was beyond our expectations. The food was amazing!
Origins of expect
from Latin 'exspectare', meaning 'to look out for'
Summary: expect in Brief
The verb 'expect' [ɪkˈspɛkt] means to believe that something will happen or someone will arrive, to think that something should happen or be the case, or to require something as rightfully due or appropriate. It can be used in phrases like 'expect the unexpected,' and 'what do you expect?' 'Expect' has formal synonyms like 'anticipate' and 'predict,' and informal synonyms like 'guess' and 'figure.'