/ ɪkˈspekt; NAmE / verb
1.
to think or believe that sth will happen or that sb will do sth :
[ vn ]
We are expecting a rise in food prices this month.
Don't expect sympathy from me!
That's not the sort of behaviour I expect of you!
[ v to inf ]
You can't expect to learn a foreign language in a few months.
I looked back, half expecting to see someone following me.
[ vn to inf ]
House prices are expected to rise sharply.
I didn't expect him to become a successful writer.
Do you really expect me to believe you?
[ v ( that )]
Many people were expecting (that) the peace talks would break down.
[ vn that ]
It is expected that the report will suggest some major reforms.
2.
(often used in the progressive tenses) to be waiting for sb/sth to arrive, as this has been arranged :
[ vn ]
to expect a visit / call / letter from sb
Are you expecting visitors?
[ vn , vn to inf ]
We were expecting him yesterday.
We were expecting him to arrive yesterday.
3.
expect sth (of / from sb) to demand that sb will do sth because it is their duty or responsibility :
[ vn ]
Her parents expected high standards from her.
Are you clear what is expected of you?
He's still getting over his illness, so don't expect too much from him.
[ vn to inf ]
They expected all their children to be high achievers.
We are expected to work on Saturdays.
[ v to inf ]
I expect to be paid promptly for the work.
[also v that ] ➡ note at demand
4.
( informal , especially BrE ) (not used in the progressive tenses) used when you think sth is probably true : [ v ]
'Will you be late?' ' I expect so .'
'Are you going out tonight?' ' I don't expect so .'
[ v , v that ]
'Who's eaten all the cake?' 'Tom, I expect / I expect it was Tom.'
HELP NOTE : 'That' is nearly always left out.
—compare unexpected
•
IDIOMS
- be expecting a baby / child
- be (only) to be expected
- what (else) do you expect?
••
WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent. (in the sense defer action, wait ): from Latin exspectare look out for, from ex- out + spectare to look (frequentative of specere see).