verb
expect
ik-SPEKT/ɪkˈspekt/
To regard something as likely to happen or be provided.
The woman expects rain from the approaching clouds and begins opening her umbrella.
Etymology
The looking root, strengthened by ex-, gives the image of looking out for something. Anticipatory watching developed into believing that something is about to happen.
In context
you can't ask questions of a teams to a CEO um and expect them to get back to you straight away that's never going to happen
More examples
- I expected a larger refund.
- Teachers expect students to arrive on time.
- They are expecting a baby in June.
Forms
expect · expects · expected · expecting
expectation noun — A belief that something will probably happen.
Similar words
- anticipate
- Often suggests preparing for something, not just believing it likely.
- predict
- Emphasizes stating what will happen rather than privately believing it.