expectation

Pronunciation: /ˌɛk.spɛkˈteɪ.ʃən/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun belief about (or mental picture of) the future
  2. noun anticipating with confidence of fulfillment
  3. noun the feeling that something is about to happen

Etymology

From Middle French expectation, from Latin exspectātiō, from exspectō (“expect”). By surface analysis, expect + -ation. Displaced native Old English wēn.

In classic literature

Synonyms

outlook, prospect

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
belief
Narrower (hyponyms)
possibility, promise, anticipation, foretaste, apprehension

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