Expectation
/ˌekspekˈteɪʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsA belief that something will happen; an anticipation.
/ˌekspekˈteɪʃən/
A strong belief that something will happen or be the case.
The high expectations for the film led to its commercial success.
💡 Simply: It's like when you're waiting for your birthday, and you *expect* to get presents. It's what you think is going to happen!
👶 For kids: Thinking that something is going to happen, like expecting your favorite ice cream for dessert.
More Examples
He had no expectation of receiving a promotion.
The company strives to exceed customer expectations.
The expectation of rain made us bring an umbrella.
How It's Used
"We had high expectations for the new project."
"Meeting customer expectations is crucial for success."
A belief about how someone should behave or how something should be.
/ˌekspekˈteɪʃən/
A belief about the likelihood of someone behaving or succeeding in a particular way.
The teacher had high expectations for her students.
💡 Simply: It's like when everyone *expects* you to be polite at the dinner table. It's what people think you should do.
👶 For kids: What people think you should do, like expecting you to say please and thank you.
More Examples
The boss had very specific expectations for the new employee.
It's important to manage your expectations in a relationship.
Cultural expectations vary from place to place.
How It's Used
"Societal expectations often influence career choices."
"Unrealistic expectations can lead to stress and anxiety."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
meet expectations
To fulfill what is hoped for or required.
"The new product met the expectations of the consumers."
exceed expectations
To be better or more than what was expected.
"The restaurant exceeded expectations with its excellent service and food."
reasonable expectations
Expectations that are not too high and realistic.
"It's important to set reasonable expectations for yourself."
low expectations
Thinking that something is not likely to be successful
"The team played very well, surpassing everyone's low expectations."
From Latin *expectatio* (“an expectation”), from *expectare* (“to expect”), from *ex-* (“out, from”) + *spectare* (“to look, to see”).
Used since the 15th century, initially relating to looking forward to something or waiting for something to happen.
Memory tip
Imagine you're *expecting* a package—that anticipation is an expectation.
Word Origin
"to look out for, await, look forward to"