DictionaryAI

expect

verb
ik-SPEKT/ɪkˈspɛkt/

Formsexpects, expecting, expected

7 meanings of expect

Practice

  1. 1
    predictverbtransitive or intransitive
    To think that something will probably happen.

    Like guessing what will happen next before it actually does.

    We expect rain later this afternoon.

    She expects the package to arrive tomorrow.

    UsageSay expect someone to do something: I expect him to win. Expect is about what is likely; hope is about what you want.

    Similaranticipate

  2. 2
    feel owedverbtransitive
    To think that you should get something, or that someone should do something, because it is fair or their job.

    Workers expect fair pay for the hours they put in.

    After helping all day, she expects a simple thank-you.

    UsageUse of or from for the person: she expects a lot of her students.

    Note
  3. 3
    verbtransitive
    To be waiting for someone or something due to arrive, often because it was planned.

    Are you expecting a package today? There's a box by the door.

    Come over after work. We'll expect you around six.

    UsageSay what you are waiting for: expecting a visitor. Just she's expecting usually means she will have a baby.

    Similarawait

    Note
  4. 4
    pregnantverbtransitive or intransitive
    To be going to have a baby.

    She is expecting her first baby in the spring.

    They are expecting twins later this summer.

    UsageUsually is or are expecting: she is expecting a baby in June.

  5. 5
    verbUKtransitivebritish
    To think that something is or was probably true.

    I expect you're tired after such a long trip.

    "Where's Tom?" "I expect he's out in the garden."

    UsageSay I expect to guess about now: I expect you're hungry.

    Similarsuppose, imagine, assume, guess, think

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 6
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To wait for someone or something to come.
    Let's in, and there expect their coming.
    c. 1596, William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”Here, expect means wait for, so wait for them to arrive.
    The knight fixed his eyes on the opening with breathless anxiety, and continuing to kneel in the attitude of devotion which the place and scene required, expected the consequence of these preparations.
    1825, Walter Scott, The TalismanHere, expected means waited for what would happen next.

    Similarwait, await

    Note
  2. 7
    verbobsoleteintransitive
    To wait or stay in a place.
    I will 'expect until my change in death, / And answer at Thy call
    1636, G[eorge] S[andys], A Paraphrase upon the Psalmes of DavidHere, expect means wait or stay where I am.

    Similarwait, stay, remain, abide

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of expect apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Latin exspectō, meaning "await" or "look out for." It comes from ex ("out") plus spectō ("look at").

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts