expectation - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
expectation Word Meanings
- a belief about what will happen in the future
- a feeling of anticipation about something
- a strong hope or belief that something will happen
expectation Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
expectation Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɛkspɛkˈteɪʃən/
US
/ɛkspɛkˈteɪʃən/
expectation Word Etymology
ex- = out + spectare = to look; from Latin 'expectatio' meaning 'a looking out or waiting for'. Picture a child standing eagerly at a window, watching for a parent to come home, filled with anticipation.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I lean forward, set my shoulders, and move my eyes to the clock. I push back doubt and adjust my posture as the moment nears. Waiting becomes a small test of will, and my expectation tightens with each blink. When the door opens, I keep going, letting what I think will happen steer my next move.
Real Context
Expectation is a noun that covers what we think will happen in the future, how we anticipate events, and the value we place on a possible outcome. In everyday use, people talk about their expectations for a job, a performance, or a holiday. In informal speech, 'have high expectations' means you believe the outcome will meet or exceed what you hoped. The word can carry neutral, positive, or even disappointed tones depending on context: when things don't turn out as expected, we can feel let down; when they do, we feel relief or satisfaction. Note that 'expectation' is stronger and more abstract than 'probability' or 'guess' and often implies a standard or demand about the result.
Usage Reminders
- - Use with future outcomes, not random guesses.
- - It carries a sense of personal standard or hope.
- - Distinguish it from probability or guess.
- - Common phrases: have high expectations, meet expectations, live up to expectations.
- - Tone can be neutral, positive, or disappointed depending on context.
Common Misconceptions
- Mistaking expectation for probability or guess
- Thinking it always has a positive tone
- believing it must be about a specific numeric outcome
- Confusing 'expectation that' with 'expectation to' structure
- Using it to mean mere hope without any standard or requirement
Thinking Differences
In English, expectation blends belief about the future with a sense of standard or required outcome; learners often confuse it with probability or hope and may misuse 'expect to' vs 'expect that'.
Learning Tips
- Compare terms: expectation vs probability vs guess to notice nuance.
- Use collocations like have high expectations and meet expectations.
- Practice both neutral and emotional contexts.
- Notice grammar: expect that vs expect to + verb.
- Read/write sentences with different outcomes (positive, neutral, negative).
- Avoid overusing ‘expect’ when you mean ‘hope’ or ‘believe’.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Choose the best definition of 'expectation'.
A.A belief or strong likelihood that something will happen
B.A sudden surprise or unexpected event
C.The action of receiving someone at a place
D.A precise measurement used in experiments
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'expectation' correctly?
A.The movie's expectation was loud and colorful, pleasing the audience.
B.Her expectation that the train would arrive on time made her anxious when it was delayed.
C.She expectationed the book onto the shelf after finishing it.
D.He wore an expectation on his sleeve to show he was proud.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in meaning to 'expectation'?
A.anticipation
B.surprise
C.certainty
D.memory
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'expectation'?
A.assurance
B.surprise
C.anticipation
D.ignorance
Step 5: Mastery
Which sentence shows a real-life situation that matches the meaning of the word without using it?
A.He was shocked when the parcel arrived days earlier than anyone had predicted.
B.She practiced her speech every night because she believed the audience would expect a polished performance.
C.They made no plans and didn't care what might happen next.
D.She accepted the result without thinking about whether it was likely or not.
Related Listening
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