Expectation: meaning, definitions and examples

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expectation

 

[ ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃən ]

Context #1 | Noun

in psychology

A strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future, often based on evidence or past experience.

Synonyms

anticipation, hope, prediction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expectation

This word is used when someone believes that something will happen and has a fair idea of what it might be. It often implies a level of confidence based on past experience or logical reasoning.

  • She has high expectations for her new job.
  • The teacher set clear expectations for the students.
anticipation

This word describes the feeling of looking forward to something that is going to happen. It often carries a sense of excitement or eagerness.

  • The children waited in anticipation for Christmas morning.
  • There is great anticipation for the upcoming concert.
hope

Hope is used when someone wants something to happen or be true and often embodies a sense of optimism even if there is no guarantee. It is generally positive but can also reflect uncertainty.

  • She hopes to get into her dream college.
  • We all hope for better days ahead.
prediction

This word is used when someone makes an educated guess about what might happen in the future, often based on current information, trends, or patterns.

  • The weather prediction calls for rain tomorrow.
  • Economists are making predictions about the market trends.

Examples of usage

  • I had high expectations for the new movie after reading the reviews.
  • She had low expectations for the event, but it turned out to be amazing.
Context #2 | Noun

in social situations

The feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen.

Synonyms

anticipation, eagerness, excitement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expectation

This word is repeated and can be referred to the same context as above.

  • The team's high expectation for the season added pressure.
  • Parents often have high expectations for their children's achievements.
anticipation

This word is suitable when referring to a feeling of looking forward to something that you think will happen.

  • The fans were in eager anticipation of the concert.
  • She waited in anticipation for the arrival of her friend.
excitement

Use this when describing a feeling of enthusiasm, often accompanied by joy and nervousness.

  • The children's excitement about the fair was contagious.
  • She couldn't hide her excitement when she received the award.
eagerness

This term fits best when describing a strong desire or enthusiasm for something.

  • His eagerness to learn was evident in his questions.
  • They showed great eagerness to start the project.

Examples of usage

  • The team had great expectations for the upcoming match.
  • The expectation of seeing her again made him smile.
Context #3 | Noun

in relationships

The belief that someone should behave in a particular way or achieve a particular goal.

Synonyms

demand, requirement, standard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expectation

Expectation is used when describing what you think will happen in the future based on past experiences, beliefs, or desires. It is often neutral or positive.

  • Her expectation was that the meeting would end by noon.
  • Society's expectations can influence an individual's behavior.
demand

Demand is used when someone insists on something or requires it urgently. It typically has a strong, sometimes aggressive or negative tone.

  • The workers are making new demands for higher wages.
  • There was a great demand for the new product.
requirement

Requirement is used to express something that is necessary or obligatory, often in formal or official contexts.

  • A valid passport is a requirement for international travel.
  • Meeting these requirements is essential to pass the course.
standard

Standard is used when referring to a level of quality or performance that is accepted as norm or expectation. It is often associated with measurements, guidelines, or goals.

  • The restaurant's food quality exceeds industry standards.
  • Maintaining high standards in education is important.

Examples of usage

  • He had high expectations for his partner, which put a strain on their relationship.
  • She felt pressure from the expectations of her parents.

Translations

Translations of the word "expectation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 expectativa

🇮🇳 अपेक्षा

🇩🇪 Erwartung

🇮🇩 harapan

🇺🇦 очікування

🇵🇱 oczekiwanie

🇯🇵 期待 (きたい)

🇫🇷 attente

🇪🇸 expectativa

🇹🇷 beklenti

🇰🇷 기대

🇸🇦 توقع

🇨🇿 očekávání

🇸🇰 očakávanie

🇨🇳 期望 (qīwàng)

🇸🇮 pričakovanje

🇮🇸 vænting

🇰🇿 күту

🇬🇪 მოლოდინი

🇦🇿 gözləmə

🇲🇽 expectativa

Etymology

The word 'expectation' originated from the Latin word 'expectationem', which means 'an awaiting'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass not just waiting, but also the belief that something will happen. The concept of expectation plays a significant role in various fields, such as psychology, sociology, and relationships, shaping human behavior and experiences.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,695, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.