Definition of Expect
Quick Meaning of Expect
to think something will happen; to wait for something
Detailed Definition of Expect
to think or believe that something will happen or arrive; to wait for or anticipate
How to Pronounce Expect
Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the second syllable: ik-SPEKT. The first vowel is very short.
Watch out: Learners often mispronounce the second vowel as /ɪ/ (ik-SPIKT) instead of /ɛ/ (ik-SPEKT).
Origin and Etymology of Expect
from Latin expectare, combining ex- (out) and spectare (to look)
How to Use Expect in a Sentence
Each example shows “expect” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“I expect the train to arrive at 3 PM.”
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“We expect good results from the experiment.”
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“Teachers expect students to complete their homework on time.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Expect
Common Synonyms for Expect
Smart Synonyms for Expect — When to Use Each
- anticipate
- when you expect something and prepare for it
- assume
- when you expect something to be true without
Common Collocations with Expect
These phrases pair with “expect” in everyday English:
- expect to arrive
- expect results
- expect trouble
Common Mistakes When Using Expect
Even fluent speakers slip up with “expect”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I expect you come to the meeting tomorrow.
- ✓ Correct: I expect you to come to the meeting tomorrow.
- Why: After expect with an object, use the to-infinitive form (to come), not the base verb.
- ✗ Wrong: We are expecting the package arrives next week.
- ✓ Correct: We are expecting the package to arrive next week.
- Why: With expecting + object, add to before the verb (to arrive), not use the base form.
Other Forms of Expect
- Noun: expectation
- Verb: expect
- Adjective: expected
Frequently Asked Questions About Expect
What is the meaning of "Expect"?
to think something will happen; to wait for something
How do you pronounce "Expect"?
The IPA is /ɪkˈspɛkt/. Stress the second syllable: ik-SPEKT. The first vowel is very short.
What part of speech is "Expect"?
"Expect" is a verb at A2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Expect"?
Common synonyms include anticipate, assume, suppose.
How do you use "Expect" in a sentence?
For example: "I expect the train to arrive at 3 PM."