Expect — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ik-ˈspekt/ ex·pect

Meaning & Definition of Expect

Expect (verb)

  1. to consider probable or certain
  2. to consider reasonable, due, or necessary
  3. to consider bound in duty or obligated

Expect (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to believe in the future occurrence of (something)

    "we expect their arrival late this afternoon"

    similar: anticipate, await, hope (for), watch (for), look for, look forward to
    related: bank on, count (on or upon), depend (on or upon), rely (on or upon), wait (for), envisage, envision, foresee, foretell, predict, prophesy, assume, presume, presuppose, contemplate, eye, view
    near: doubt, question

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Expect

The most common words with a similar meaning to Expect:

anticipate, await, hope (for), watch (for), look for, look forward to

Related Words for Expect

bank on, count (on or upon), depend (on or upon), rely (on or upon), wait (for), envisage, envision, foresee, foretell, predict, prophesy, assume, presume, presuppose, contemplate, eye, view

Near Antonyms of Expect

doubt, question

Word Forms of Expect

Inflections: expected, expecting, expects

Derived words: expectable (adjective), expectably (adverb), expectedly (adverb), expectedness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Expect

Latin exspectare to look forward to, from ex- + spectare to look at, frequentative of specere to look spy

First known use: 1560i

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Expect

Words & Phrases Containing Expect

expect the worst

Frequently Asked Questions about Expect

What does "Expect" mean?

"Expect" means to consider probable or certain. As a verb, it is defined as: to consider probable or certain.

What is another word for "Expect"?

Other words for "Expect" include anticipate, await, hope (for), watch (for), look for and look forward to. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Expect" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Expect"?

There are 23 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Expect". Common alternatives include anticipate, await, hope (for), watch (for), look for and look forward to.

How do you use "Expect" in a sentence?

Examples of "Expect" in a sentence: "we expect their arrival late this afternoon".

Is "Expect" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Expect" is a verb.

Is "Expect" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Expect" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Expect"?

"Expect" is pronounced /ik-ˈspekt/ and divided into syllables as ex·pect.

What is the origin of the word "Expect"?

"Expect" comes from Latin exspectare to look forward to, from ex- + spectare to look at, frequentative of specere to look spy. First known use: 1560i.