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Expectations Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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expectations

[ˌɛkˌspɛkˈteɪʃənz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in psychology

The belief that something will happen or is likely to happen in the future, especially something good.

Synonyms

anticipation, hope, prediction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expectations

Used when discussing what someone believes will happen based on experience or reason. Often used in professional or academic settings.

  • The expectations for the new software release are very high.
  • Her expectations for the job interview were realistic.
anticipation

Refers to the feeling of excitement or nervousness about something that is going to happen. Commonly used in social or emotional contexts.

  • There was a buzz of anticipation in the air before the concert started.
  • He waited in anticipation for his birthday surprise.
hope

Used when referring to a desire for a particular outcome, generally with a positive connotation. Often used in informal or emotional contexts.

  • She has a lot of hope for her future career.
  • We hope the weather will be nice for the picnic.
prediction

Applied when discussing a specific statement about what will happen in the future, usually based on analysis or evidence. Often used in scientific, financial, or strategic contexts.

  • The economist made a prediction about next year's market trends.
  • Weather predictions suggest a storm is coming.

Examples of usage

  • Her expectations were high as she waited for the interview results.
  • The team exceeded all expectations with their performance.
Context #2 | Noun

in relationships

The feeling of expecting or looking forward to something, typically associated with a person.

Synonyms

anticipation, hope, trust.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expectations

Used when referring to a belief or mental picture of what will happen or what someone will achieve. Often involves a certain level of certainty and can be related to both positive and negative outcomes.

  • Her expectations for the project were very high.
  • The company failed to meet the shareholders' expectations.
anticipation

Used when referring to the feeling of excitement or anxiety about something that is going to happen in the future. Often involves a sense of eagerness and looking forward.

  • The anticipation of the holiday kept the children awake all night.
  • There was a buzz of anticipation in the room before the concert started.
hope

Used when referring to a feeling of desire and expectation for a particular thing to happen. Often involves a sense of optimism and positivity.

  • She had a lot of hope for the new job.
  • In difficult times, we must hold on to hope.
trust

Used when referring to a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something. Involves confidence that things will go well and can be related to relationships and dependability.

  • He put his trust in the doctor’s ability to help him.
  • Trust is the foundation of a strong relationship.

Examples of usage

  • She had high expectations from her partner in their relationship.
  • Meeting his expectations was important to her.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Expectations can significantly influence how we feel and react. Positive expectations often lead to better outcomes.
  • Cognitive biases can shape our expectations, meaning what we believe can color how we see reality.
  • Self-fulfilling prophecies occur when expectations lead to behaviors that make the expectations come true.

Education

  • Teachers' expectations of students can affect their performance, suggesting that high expectations often lead to greater achievement.
  • The Pygmalion Effect illustrates how higher expectations from others can lead to improved performance.
  • Setting clear expectations in the classroom helps students understand what is required for success.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have varying norms regarding expectations, particularly around family roles and career paths.
  • In many collectivist cultures, communal expectations – what the group values – play a significant role in shaping individual goals.
  • Conversely, individualistic cultures often emphasize personal expectations and achievements.

Literature

  • Many classic novels explore themes of expectations versus reality, where characters face life's unpredictabilities.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often grapple with societal expectations, adding depth to their motivations.
  • Contemporary literature frequently critiques social expectations, especially concerning gender and career paths.

Economics

  • In economics, consumer expectations can influence the market, as people decide when to buy based on what they believe will happen.
  • Expectations about inflation can shape economic policy and impact decisions made by businesses and consumers alike.
  • Theories of rational expectations argue that, individuals make predictions about the future based on available information, which can stabilize economic fluctuations.

Origin of 'expectations'

The word 'expectations' originated from the Latin word 'exspectare', which means 'await'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the beliefs and anticipations people hold. Expectations play a significant role in human behavior, influencing emotions, decisions, and interactions. Whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or societal norms, expectations shape our experiences and outcomes.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,439, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.