expectation

[ˌekspekˈteɪʃən]

expectation Definition

  • 1a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future
  • 2a belief that someone should behave in a particular way or do a particular thing

Using expectation: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "expectation" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I have high expectations for this project.

  • Example

    The company failed to meet my expectations.

  • Example

    He did not live up to his parents' expectations.

  • Example

    The expectation of a salary increase kept him motivated.

expectation Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for expectation

Idioms Using expectation

  • to live up to expectations

    to perform as well as people expect you to

    Example

    The new employee has been living up to expectations and exceeding them.

  • to lower expectations

    to make people expect less

    Example

    The company lowered its earnings forecast, in an attempt to lower expectations.

  • to exceed expectations

    to perform better than people expect you to

    Example

    The restaurant exceeded our expectations with their excellent service and delicious food.

Phrases with expectation

  • beyond expectation

    better or more successful than was thought possible

    Example

    The team's performance was beyond expectation, winning every game in the tournament.

  • great expectations

    the belief that someone is capable of achieving great things

    Example

    Her parents had great expectations for her academic success.

  • worse or less successful than was thought possible

    Example

    The sales figures were under expectation for the quarter.

Origins of expectation

from Latin 'expectare', meaning 'await'

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Summary: expectation in Brief

The term 'expectation' [ˌekspekˈteɪʃən] refers to a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future, or a belief that someone should behave in a particular way. It can be positive or negative, as in 'I have high expectations for this project' or 'The company failed to meet my expectations.' Phrases like 'great expectations' denote high hopes, while 'to lower expectations' means to make people expect less. 'Expectation' can also be used idiomatically, as in 'to live up to expectations,' meaning to perform as well as people expect you to.

How do native speakers use this expression?