to expect

Examples

• All

• We are very excited because we are expecting a baby in the spring.

• We've been expecting you.

  The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)

• Wife and I are expecting our first child in June up.

• As soon as we found out we were expecting, the dad left.

  What Happens Later (2023)

• You are expecting twins and congratulations on that.

• We weren't expecting you back so early.

  Eating Miss Campbell (2022)

• After a visit to the doctor, she learned that she was expecting her first child.

Synonyms

C

to carry

vsto expect

124 4.4

Be pregnant with a child or young animal

is broader, also means waiting for the baby's birth not only the body state

G

to gestate

vsto expect

• Specialized

6 7.6

To carry a baby in the womb until birth

focuses on general pregnancy or waiting rather than the scientific time span

H

to have a bun in the oven

vsto expect

• Informal

1 8.4

To be pregnant and expecting a baby

is neutral and literal rather than informal or playful expression

Surface Forms

Etymology