expectancy Definition
- 1the state of thinking or hoping that something, especially something pleasant, will happen or be the case
- 2the expected lifespan of a person, animal, or thing
Using expectancy: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "expectancy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The expectancy of a good outcome kept her motivated.
Example
The life expectancy of a cat is around 15 years.
Example
The expectancy of a promotion made him work harder.
expectancy Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for expectancy
Antonyms for expectancy
Idioms Using expectancy
in a state of expectancy
in a state of hopeful anticipation or waiting for something to happen
Example
The students were in a state of expectancy as they waited for their exam results.
beyond all expectancy
exceeding all expectations or predictions
Example
The success of the new product launch was beyond all expectancy, with sales skyrocketing within the first month.
with a hopeful or excited attitude towards something
Example
She walked into the interview room with expectancy, confident that she would get the job.
Phrases with expectancy
a feeling of excitement and anticipation for something significant or important
Example
The great expectancy of the audience was palpable as the curtains drew back.
the average period that a person, animal, or thing is expected to live
Example
The life expectancy of a human has increased over the past century due to advances in medicine and technology.
a motivation theory that suggests that people are motivated by the belief that their efforts will lead to a desired outcome
Example
The expectancy theory is often used in business to understand employee motivation and performance.
Origins of expectancy
from Latin 'expectantia', meaning 'anticipation'
Summary: expectancy in Brief
The term 'expectancy' [ɪkˈspektənsi] refers to the state of thinking or hoping that something pleasant will happen, or the expected lifespan of a person, animal, or thing. It is often used in phrases like 'great expectancy' and 'life expectancy,' and idioms like 'in a state of expectancy,' denoting hopeful anticipation. 'Expectancy theory' is a motivation theory that suggests people are motivated by the belief that their efforts will lead to a desired outcome.
