Meaning

(ambitransitive) To predict or believe that something will happen.

Definitions by Sense

1. (ambitransitive) To predict or believe that something will happen
2. To consider obligatory or required.
3. To consider reasonably due.
4. (continuous aspect only, of a woman or couple) To be pregnant, to consider a baby due.
5. (obsolete, transitive) To wait for; to await.
6. (obsolete, intransitive) To wait; to stay.

Example Sentences

when you least expect it

I expect to be able to walk again after getting over my broken leg.

The hostage is expected to be released later today.

I expect it'll rain this weekend, but I hope it won't.

I did not expect you'd come before I asked you to, but do expect you to apologize for it.

“[…] They talk of you as if you were Croesus—and I expect the beggars sponge on you unconscionably.” And Vickers launched forth into a tirade very different from his platform utterances. He spoke with extreme contempt of the dense stupidity exhibited on all occasions by the working classes.

And temperatures are expected to keep rising.

England expects that every man will do his duty.

Word Forms

• expects
• expecting
• expected
• no-table-tags
• glossary
• expect
• expectest
• expectedst
• expecteth
• -

Synonyms for expect

Related Words

When Should You Use Expect?

Use expect when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions