v.
Pronunciation: ik- ' spekt
Function: verb
Etymology: Latin exspectare to look forward to, from ex- + spectare to look at, frequentative of specere to look ― more at SPY
Date: 1560
intransitive verb
1 archaic : WAIT , STAY
2 : to look forward
3 : to be pregnant : await the birth of one's child ― used in progressive tenses <she's expect ing next month>
transitive verb
1 archaic : AWAIT
2 : to anticipate or look forward to the coming or occurrence of <we expect them any minute now> < expect ed a telephone call>
3 : SUPPOSE , THINK
4 a : to consider probable or certain < expect to be forgiven> < expect that things will improve> b : to consider reasonable, due, or necessary < expect ed hard work from the students> c : to consider bound in duty or obligated <they expect you to pay your bills>
– ex · pect · able \ - ' spek-t ə -b ə l \ adjective
– ex · pect · ably \ -bl ē \ adverb
– ex · pect · ed · ly adverb
– ex · pect · ed · ness noun
synonyms EXPECT , HOPE , LOOK mean to await some occurrence or outcome. EXPECT implies a high degree of certainty and usually involves the idea of preparing or envisioning < expects to be finished by Tuesday>. HOPE implies little certainty but suggests confidence or assurance in the possibility that what one desires or longs for will happen < hopes to find a job soon>. LOOK with to, implies assurance that expectations will be fulfilled < looks to a tidy profit from the sale>; with for it implies less assurance and suggests an attitude of expectancy and watchfulness < look for rain when the wind shifts to the northeast>.