adjective / noun
expectant
ik-SPEK-tuhnt/ɪkˈspektənt/
Awaiting an anticipated event.
The expectant child stands at the open doorway, holding a gift.
Etymology
The looking image becomes looking forward with hope or confidence. The participial ending describes someone actively awaiting an event, which connects the word to eager anticipation.
In context
The powerful demons were excited, expectant, and eager to see what was happening.
More examples
- An expectant hush falls over the crowd as the lights dim.
- She gives me an expectant look and waits for my answer.
- The clinic offers classes for expectant parents.
Forms
expectant · expectants · more expectant · most expectant
expectantly adverb — In a way that shows anticipation.
expectation noun — A belief that something will happen.
Similar words
- eager
- Emphasizes strong desire rather than waiting for something.
- hopeful
- Emphasizes optimism about an outcome, not simply anticipation.