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to expect

to expect

2.0
To think someone should do something because it is usual or needed
  • verb
  • /ɪkˈspɛkt/
translation icon : exigir
  • We have a difficult and time-committed job. Clients expect availability twenty-four hours a day.
  • expect students
  • expected behaviors
  • expected to teach

And you know, you can't expect your doctor to know everything.

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Examples

  • What right has your friend to expect you to protect him?

  • Oh, so you expect us to trust you or not?

  • You know, what do you expect people to say?

  • So from good parents, we should expect really good children, right?

  • And I think you have to expect to look after yourself.

  • I expect you to know why.

  • How dare you come here and tell me what you expect of me.

  • Work hard, put in your time, and expect a reward at the end.

  • And you know, you can't expect your doctor to know everything.

  • The teacher expects her students to complete the assignment on time.

Synonyms

to require
vsto expect
1.1

Need something because a rule or situation makes it necessary

sees necessity as a judgment rather than a formal rule
to demand
vsto expect
311 2.1

To need something because a job or situation must have it

treats something as necessary or appropriate without commanding it

Antonyms

to waive
  • Formal
107 6.6

Choose not to use a right or to charge a fee

How Demanding

to demand
943 2.7
to insist
2.8
to require
1.1
to expect
2.0
to ask for
1.0

Surface Forms

expect infinitive
expected past
expected past participle
expecting present participle
expects third person singular

Etymology

Expect comes from the Latin parts ex- 'out' and spectare 'to look'. That's why when you expect someone to do something, you treat that action as 'needed'.