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expectation

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃən// UK //ɛkspɪktˈeɪʃən// ex·pec·ta·tion Archaic General-service Informal

n. a belief that something will happen in the future. It can also be a standard you hope someone or something will reach.

n. a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future; a standard of conduct or performance anticipated by others.


SIMPLE

The movie did not meet my expectation.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager set a high expectation for the team's performance during the busy summer season.

COMPLEX

Societal expectations regarding career paths have shifted significantly over the last decade, allowing for more non-traditional trajectories that prioritize personal fulfillment over linear progression.

Synonyms
Origin

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

Usage

Often used in the plural ('expectations') when referring to general hopes or standards. Frequently takes the preposition 'of' or 'for'.

Pitfall

I have the expectation for him to arriveI have the expectation that he will arriveWhile 'expectation for' works with nouns, 'expectation that' is the standard way to introduce a clause describing the predicted event.

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