expectation
Expectation (noun) means a strong belief that something will happen or turn out a certain way. Example: “There is a general expectation that prices will rise next year.”
How to use expectation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat you believe will happen, or what you feel someone or something is supposed to deliver.
Word forms
expectations plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There is a general _____ that prices will rise next year.
Etymology
From Latin exspectatio, built on exspectare, "to expect."
Related words
Rhymes for expectation
Frequently asked questions
What does “expectation” mean?
The word “expectation” means a strong belief that something will happen or turn out a certain way. In plain terms, what you believe will happen, or what you feel someone or something is supposed to deliver.
How do you pronounce “expectation”?
“Expectation” is pronounced ehk-spehk-TAY-shuhn (/ˌɛk.spɛkˈteɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “expectation” in a sentence?
Here is “expectation” used in a sentence: “There is a general expectation that prices will rise next year.”
What part of speech is “expectation”?
“Expectation” is a noun.
Where does the word “expectation” come from?
The word “expectation” comes from Latin. From Latin exspectatio, built on exspectare, "to expect.".
Is “expectation” a common word?
“Expectation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “expectation” have?
“Expectation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong belief that something will happen or turn out a certain way.
What is the difference between expectation and anticipation?
Expectation is a strong belief that something will happen or turn out a certain way, focused on the outcome you predict. Anticipation emphasizes the feeling of looking forward to that outcome, so you can have an expectation without excitement, while anticipation usually carries eager waiting.
What is the difference between expectation and hope?
An expectation is a strong belief that something will actually happen, whereas hope is a desire for something without the same confidence it will occur. You can hope for an outcome you don't genuinely expect, but you cannot truly expect something you think is impossible.
What prepositions are used with expectation?
Expectation most often pairs with 'of', as in 'the expectation of success', and appears in the fixed phrase 'in expectation of', meaning in anticipation of something. The collocation 'meet expectations' is also extremely common when the word refers to a standard someone must reach.
When do you use expectation versus expectations?
The singular 'expectation' usually refers to one belief or the general sense of anticipating something, as in 'the expectation of rain'. The plural 'expectations' more often refers to standards or requirements someone must meet, as in 'high expectations' or 'exceed expectations'.
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Vocabulary lists that include expectation: