Expect
/ɪkˈspekt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo anticipate or look forward to something; to believe that something will happen.
/ɪkˈspekt/
To regard something as likely to happen.
I expect it to rain later.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're waiting for a pizza. You *expect* it to arrive soon! It's like thinking something is going to happen or believing it's likely.
👶 For kids: To think something is going to happen.
More Examples
We expect a phone call from them soon.
The teacher expects the students to be on time.
How It's Used
"I expect to see you at the meeting."
"The company expects a rise in profits next quarter."
To consider something as due or required; to demand or require.
/ɪkˈspekt/
To consider as due or appropriate.
I expect you to finish your homework.
💡 Simply: Think about your parents saying, 'I *expect* you to clean your room.' It means they want you to do it, they think it's something that should happen.
👶 For kids: To want someone to do something.
More Examples
The company expects employees to be punctual.
The rules expect us to be quiet in the library.
How It's Used
"I expect you to behave respectfully."
"The manager expects all employees to meet deadlines."
Idioms & expressions
expect the unexpected
To be prepared for surprises or unforeseen events.
"In this line of work, you always have to expect the unexpected."
not expect something to happen
To believe that something will not occur.
"I did not expect to see her at the party."
From Latin *expectare* 'to look out for, await', from *ex-* 'out' + *spectare* 'to look at'.
The word 'expect' has been used since the 14th century, originally meaning 'to look out for' or 'await'.
Memory tip
Think of looking forward to a special event – you *expect* it to be fun!
Word Origin
"to look out for"