ˌekˌspekˈtāshən also ik- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin expectation-, exspectation-, expectatio, exspectatio, from expectatus, exspectatus (past participle of expectare, exspectare ) + -ion-, -io -ion
1. archaic
a. : the act of waiting
a daily expectation at the gate is the readiest way to gain admittance into the house — Robert South
b. : the state of waiting
sat the livelong day with patient expectation — Shakespeare
2.
a. : the act or action of looking forward : anticipation
had given rise to a general expectation of their marriage — Jane Austen
b. : the state of looking forward : the mental attitude of one who anticipates
no fear of worse … would torment me with cruel expectation — John Milton
3. : something that is expected : the object of expectancy
the hope and expectation of thy time is ruined — Shakespeare
4.
a. : the basis for expecting something
my soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him — Ps 62:5 (Authorized Version)
b. : prospects of inheritance — usually used in plural
a rich old uncle … from whom I have the greatest expectations — R.B.Sheridan
5. : the state of being expected — used especially in the phrase in expectation
benefits in expectation
6.
a. : expectancy 4a(2)
b. : the value of a chance measured by the product of the amount to be received if an event takes place and the probability of the event — called also mathematical expectation
7. : assumption , supposition , surmise
the expectation that you are always from home prevents my writing to you — Thomas Jefferson