What does “expect” mean?
- 1
verbto think that something will probably happen
We expect the package to arrive on Monday.
- 2
verbto think someone should do something because it is right or required
My boss expects me to answer emails quickly.
- 3
verbto be waiting for someone or something to arrive
Are you expecting any visitors today?
Expect at a glance
- Part of speech
- verb
- CEFR level
- A2 (elementary)
- Pronunciation
- /ɪkˈspɛkt/ · ik-SPEKT
How to use “expect” correctly
Don’t confuse “expect” (think it will happen) with “wait for” (stay until it happens) or “hope” (want it to happen).
Common phrases with “expect”
- expect sb to do sth
- as expected
- be expecting (a baby)
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- anticipate
- predict
Word family
- expectation
- expected
- unexpected
“expect” is on these word lists
Learn these words next
- accept verbA2to take or agree to something that is offered
- compare verbA2to look at two or more things to see how they are alike or different
- decide verbA2to choose something after thinking about it
- guess verbA2to give an answer without knowing for sure
- imagine verbA2to form a picture or idea of something in your mind
- notice verbA2to see or become aware of something
- pick verbA2to choose someone or something from a group
- seem verbA2to give the impression of being or doing something