expect

[ɪkˈspɛkt]

expect Definition

• 1. to believe that something will happen or someone will arrive
• 2. to think that something should happen or be the case
• 3. to 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

• anticipate
• await
• predict
• foresee
• envisage

Antonyms for expect

• doubt
• disbelieve
• ignore

Phrases with expect

• expect the unexpected

  be prepared for surprising events or situations

  Example

  Life is unpredictable, so it's best to expect the unexpected.

• what do you expect?

  used to express that something is not surprising or 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'

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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.'