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Definition of expectantly

expectantly

/ɪkˈspɛk.tənt.li/
ex · pec · tant · ly
Adjective:expectant
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expectantly Lexical Profile

expectantly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner showing excited anticipation or hope that something good or interesting is about to happen.

Example

"The children looked at the wrapped gifts expectantly, waiting for permission to open them."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

expectably
expectancy
expectant
expectantly
expectation
expectedly
expecting

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the adjective 'expectant' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly', ultimately tracing back to the Latin verb 'exspectare' (to await or look out for), from 'ex-' (out) and 'spectare' (to look).

Cite this Entry

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