Main Entry: ex·pect

Pronunciation: \ik-ˈspekt\

Function: verb

Etymology: Latin exspectare to look forward to, from ex- + spectare to look at, frequentative of specere to look — more at spy

Date: 1560

intransitive verb 1 archaic : wait, stay
2 : to look forward
3 : to be pregnant : await the birth of one's child —used in progressive tenses <she's expecting next month>transitive verb 1 archaic : await
2 : to anticipate or look forward to the coming or occurrence of <we expect them any minute now> <expected a telephone call>
3 : suppose, think
4 a : to consider probable or certain <expect to be forgiven> <expect that things will improve> b : to consider reasonable, due, or necessary <expected hard work from the students> c : to consider bound in duty or obligated <they expect you to pay your bills>

— ex·pect·able \-ˈspek-tə-bəl\ adjective

— ex·pect·ably \-blē\ adverb

— ex·pect·ed·ly adverb

— ex·pect·ed·ness noun

synonyms expect, hope, look mean to await some occurrence or outcome. expect implies a high degree of certainty and usually involves the idea of preparing or envisioning <expects to be finished by Tuesday>. hope implies little certainty but suggests confidence or assurance in the possibility that what one desires or longs for will happen <hopes to find a job soon>. look, with to, implies assurance that expectations will be fulfilled <looks to a tidy profit from the sale>; with for it implies less assurance and suggests an attitude of expectancy and watchfulness <look for rain when the wind shifts to the northeast>.