expect
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for expect, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To believe that something will happen.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use expect
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin exspectare, "to look out for, await," from ex- ("out") plus spectare ("to look at").
Full origin of expect →Frequently asked questions
What does “expect” mean?
The word “expect” means to believe that something will happen. In plain terms, to believe something will happen, or to be pregnant.
How do you pronounce “expect”?
“Expect” is pronounced ihk-SPEHKT (/ɪkˈspɛkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “expect” in a sentence?
Here is “expect” used in a sentence: “We expect the results to arrive by Friday.”
What part of speech is “expect”?
“Expect” is a verb.
Where does the word “expect” come from?
The word “expect” comes from Latin. From Latin exspectare, "to look out for, await," from ex- ("out") plus spectare ("to look at").
Is “expect” a common word?
“Expect” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “expect” have?
“Expect” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to believe that something will happen.
What is the difference between expect and anticipate?
To expect something is simply to believe it will happen. To anticipate is to expect it and also prepare for or act ahead of it. You might expect rain, but you anticipate it by carrying an umbrella. Anticipate carries a stronger sense of looking forward and getting ready.
What is the difference between expect and except?
Though they sound similar, the words are unrelated. 'Expect' is a verb meaning to believe something will happen, as in 'I expect a reply'. 'Except' means excluding or leaving out, as in 'everyone except me'. The spellings differ by one letter, so it helps to read carefully.
What does it mean to be 'expecting'?
In general use, 'expecting' means waiting for or anticipating something, as in 'we are expecting guests'. Used on its own about a person, especially 'she is expecting', it is a gentle way of saying she is pregnant. Context makes clear which meaning applies.
What is an example of expect in a sentence?
You might say 'I expect the parcel to arrive tomorrow', meaning you believe it will. Other examples include 'They expect prices to rise' and 'Don't expect too much from the first attempt'. In each case, expect signals a belief about something likely to happen in the future.