Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
expect

ex·pect

expect

 
 
pronunciation:
ihk spekt
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: expects, expecting, expected
definition 1: to hope for or look forward to with some reason to believe in fulfillment.
She's excited because she's expecting a package from her sister.He's expecting a good grade on this paper because he worked very hard on it.
synonyms:
anticipate, await, hope for, reckon on
antonyms:
doubt
similar words:
bank on, bargain for, calculate upon, contemplate, count on, foresee, look for, predict, think, trust, wait for, watch for
definition 2: to know or feel sure of in advance; believe certain or likely to happen.
I expected that you would say something like that, so I came prepared.[verb + (that) + clause ] After that embarrassing incident, the president's resignation was expected.I expected to find him at home at that hour.[verb + infinitive ] They're a little late but we expect them to be back soon.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ] Everyone expects the venture to be a great success.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ]
synonyms:
anticipate, foresee, predict
definition 3: to consider (someone) under obligation to do something, or to consider (something) obligatory; require.
They expect their children to carry on the family traditions.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ] How can the professor expect us to finish this by Friday?[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ] The rules are expected to be observed at all times.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ] Good behavior is expected of students at this school.I expect that you will keep your room clean and pay your rent on time.[verb + (that) + clause ]
definition 4: to consider as one's due or as fitting or proper in a particular situation.
We expect a full explanation from you.One expects quiet in a library.Men were expected to take off their hats in the presence of a lady.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ]
definition 5: (informal) to guess or suppose.
I expect that you're tired after all that exercise.[verb + (that) + clause ]
synonyms:
guess, presume, reckon, suppose
similar words:
suspect
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to be pregnant.
I didn't know she was expecting, did you?
similar words:
gestate
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
Word Explorer
See
  think