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expect

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verb [transitive] British English pronunciation: expect /ɪkˈspekt/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theyexpect
he/she/itexpects
present participleexpecting
past tenseexpected
past participleexpected
Other entries for this word

Related dictionary definitions

  1. 1
    to think that something will happen

    We're expecting good weather at the weekend.

    The trial is expected soon.

    expect (that):

    Investors expect that the rate of inflation will rise.

    expect someone/something to do something:

    I didn't really expect you to understand.

    We were expecting the letter to arrive by now.

    when you least expect it:

    An accident can happen at any time, just when you least expect it.

    half expect (=think that something might happen):

    She half expected him to be angry with her.

    as expected (=in the way you expected):

    As expected, the party was a great success.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of expect
    1. a.
      spoken used in negative sentences to tell someone not to be too hopeful about something because it is unlikely to happen

      Don't expect me to help you.

      A new hairstyle will improve your appearance, but you can't expect miracles.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of expect
  2. 2
    [often progressive] to be waiting for someone or something to arrive

    I'm expecting visitors this evening.

    Are you expecting a parcel?

    expect someone home/back/in:

    What time do you expect Sara home?

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of expect
  3. 3
    to think that it is right or reasonable that something should happen

    Our customers expect good service.

    expect to do something:

    I expect to get paid on time.

    expect someone/something to do something:

    It's not fair to expect me to do all the housework.

    expect something of/from someone:

    the level of fitness expected of a professional footballer

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of expect

phrases

This is the British English definition of expect. View American English definition of expect.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

View the pronunciation for expect.

 

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