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Expectant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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expectant

[ษชkหˆspektษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

pregnancy

Having or showing an excited feeling that something is about to happen, especially something good.

Synonyms

anticipating, eager, hopeful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expectant

Use this word when someone is waiting for something, usually with a sense of excitement and a bit of nervousness.

  • The audience was expectant before the concert began.
  • She had an expectant look on her face as she waited for the results.
anticipating

This word implies looking forward to something and thinking or preparing for it in advance.

  • They are anticipating a lot of visitors for the grand opening.
  • I'm anticipating a positive response from the committee.
hopeful

Hopeful should be used when someone feels optimistic about a future event, often without certainty.

  • She was hopeful about getting a promotion.
  • The team is hopeful that they will win the championship.
eager

Eager is best used when someone is very excited and enthusiastic about something that is going to happen.

  • The students were eager to start their summer vacation.
  • He was eager to try the new restaurant in town.

Examples of usage

  • The expectant mother was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her baby.
  • The expectant parents were busy preparing the nursery for their new arrival.
Context #2 | Adjective

general

Having or marked by expectation or anticipation.

Synonyms

anxious, awaiting, excited.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expectant

When someone is calmly looking forward to something, often with the implication of patience and hope.

  • The expectant parents decorated the nursery with great care
  • The audience was expectant before the concert began
awaiting

When someone is waiting for something, usually in a neutral or formal context.

  • He was quietly awaiting his turn at the doctor's office
  • The company is awaiting government approval to launch the new product
excited

When someone is eagerly looking forward to something, usually with a lot of enthusiasm.

  • The children were excited about the trip to the zoo
  • She was excited to start her new job next week
anxious

When someone is worried or nervous about something that is going to happen. This word typically has a negative connotation.

  • She was anxious about the upcoming exam results
  • The anxious look on his face told me he was not confident

Examples of usage

  • The expectant crowd waited outside the theater for the celebrity to arrive.
  • The expectant students were on the edge of their seats, waiting for the exam results.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'expectant'

The word 'expectant' originated from the Latin word 'expectant-' meaning 'waiting or expecting'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. Over time, 'expectant' has evolved to encompass a sense of eager anticipation and excitement for something to happen.

See also: expect, expectancy, expectantly, expectation, expectations, expected, expectedly, expecting, expectorate, unexpected, unexpectedly, unexpectedness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,246, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.