Expectancy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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expectancy
[ɪkˈspektənsi ]
Definitions
in psychology
The state of being expected or anticipated.
Synonyms
anticipation, expectation, hope.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| expectancy |
Use this word when referring to the state of waiting for something to happen, often in a somewhat formal or general sense. It can imply a sense of excitement and is frequently used in contexts involving life duration or statistical predictions.
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| anticipation |
This word suits scenarios where there is a feeling of excitement or nervousness about something that is going to happen. It involves looking forward to a specific event or outcome.
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| expectation |
A word fitting for situations where there is a belief that something will happen or is likely to occur. It can also relate to social norms or standards someone's behavior should meet. Sometimes it carries a neutral or slightly demanding connotation.
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| hope |
Use 'hope' when there is a desire for something good to happen in the future. Unlike 'expectation' or 'anticipation,' hope is often used when the outcome is uncertain or desired without assurance.
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Examples of usage
- There was an air of expectancy in the room as they awaited the results.
- She felt a sense of expectancy as she opened the letter.
in demographics
The average time that a person can expect to live, based on their age, health, etc.
Synonyms
life span, longevity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| expectancy |
Use when referring to a general sense of expectation or anticipation.
|
| life span |
Relates to the duration of life for organisms, including humans, animals, and plants.
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| longevity |
Used when emphasizing a long duration of life or service, often implying a positive attribute.
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Examples of usage
- Life expectancy has increased over the years due to advancements in medicine.
- The life expectancy of women in that region is higher than that of men.
in statistics
The expected number of years of life remaining at a given age, based on a set of age-specific mortality rates.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| expectancy |
Use 'expectancy' when talking about the anticipation or hope for something, often related to duration, such as 'life expectancy'.
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| projection |
Use 'projection' when talking about an estimate or prediction based on current trends or data, often used in business, finance, or planning.
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| forecast |
Use 'forecast' when discussing predictions about future events, especially in a professional context like weather, economy, or business.
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Examples of usage
- The actuarial tables provide life expectancies for different age groups.
- The life expectancy of the population has been steadily increasing.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Psychological studies show that high levels of expectancy can significantly influence motivation and performance.
- The 'expectancy theory' posits that individuals are motivated to act based on what they believe they will achieve.
- Expectancy effects, such as the placebo effect, illustrate how beliefs can influence physical and mental health outcomes.
Literature
- In literature, characters often experience anticipation, a form of expectancy, which drives plot progression.
- Classic novels like 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens explore themes of growth and the impact of what characters expect from life.
- Poets often use expectancy to evoke emotions, creating a sense of longing, hope, or uncertainty.
Education
- Research indicates that student expectancy can shape their learning outcomes, where high expectations from teachers lead to better performance.
- The 'expectation effect' shows that if students believe they can succeed, they are more likely to do well academically.
- In special education, expectancy plays a crucial role in helping children reach their potential through tailored support.
Cultural Significance
- Different cultures can have varying expectations regarding marriage, career, and family life, affecting individual choices and pressures.
- In many cultures, the expectancy of future prosperity influences decisions about education and career paths.
- Expectancy is also evident in holiday traditions, where the anticipation of events can enhance social bonds and collective enjoyment.
Origin of 'expectancy'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'expectantia,' which means 'waiting for' or 'looking forward to.'
- In Middle English, it transformed into 'expectancy' around the late 14th century.
- Related words like 'expect' and 'expectation' share the same root, emphasizing a focus on future events.
The word 'expectancy' originated from the Latin word 'exspectantia', which means 'expectation'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of expectancy has been studied in various fields such as psychology, demographics, and statistics, highlighting the importance of anticipation and predictions in different contexts.
See also: expect, expectant, expectantly, expectation, expectations, expected, expectedly, expecting, expectorate, unexpected, unexpectedly, unexpectedness.