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Definition of expect

expect

/ɪkˈspɛkt/
ex · pect
Adverb:expectedly
•
Adjective:expected
•
Past Simple:expected
•
Past Participle:expected
•
Present Participle:expecting
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expect Lexical Profile

expect Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To regard something as likely to happen, or to anticipate the arrival or occurrence of someone or something.

Example

"Meteorologists expect heavy rainfall across the coastal region this weekend."

2

To require, demand, or look for something as rightfully due, appropriate, or necessary from someone.

Example

"The university expects all students to adhere strictly to the academic integrity policy."

3

To suppose, surmise, or think that something is the case (used chiefly in informal contexts).

Example

"I expect you are tired after traveling across three time zones today."

4

To be pregnant or awaiting the birth of a child (used almost exclusively in the progressive form 'be expecting').

Example

"The couple announced that they are expecting their second child in the spring."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for expect

• Nearby Words

expansiveness
expat
expatriate
expect
expectable
expectably
expectancy

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Latin expectare or exspectare ('to look out for, await'), formed from ex- ('out') and spectare ('to look at'), the frequentative of specere ('to look').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Expect. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/expect
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