expect
Definitions
To regard something as likely to happen.
预期；预计；料想
To require or demand as appropriate or rightful.
要求；期望（某人做某事）
To wait for; to look forward to.
等待；盼望
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedex- (out, away) + spect (look) = 'to look out for, await.' Picture someone watching the road for an arrival — that's the original image. Modern senses (expect a guest, expect good results, expecting a baby) all preserve «looking outward toward what is coming.»
Root sp still carries 131 more wordsWhy It Means This
Expect is the future-facing watchman of the spect family. Latin ex- + spectare meant «to look out [toward what is coming],» and the verb has stayed remarkably stable in meaning ever since. To expect is to scan the horizon — literally or mentally — for something. From this come three modern senses: 1) predict («I expect rain»), 2) demand («I expect you to be on time»), 3) await («expecting a child»). All share the core: your gaze is turned outward toward the future.
Usage Guide
- Predict: 'I expect it will rain' / 'we expect to win' — anticipate likelihood
- Demand: 'I expect you to be honest' — require as appropriate
- Await (especially of pregnancy): 'she's expecting (a baby)' — anticipate arrival
- Patterns: «expect to do» / «expect that» / «expect X from Y» / «be expected to»
- Stress: ex-PECT (verb)
Example Sentences
- 1.
We expect the package to arrive tomorrow.
- 2.
She is expecting a baby in May.
- 3.
The boss expects punctuality from everyone.
- 4.
I didn't expect to see you here.
Easily Confused
expect vs anticipate — Both involve looking forward, but «expect» is more neutral (you simply think it will happen) while «anticipate» suggests active preparation or eager looking forward («anticipate trouble» means foresee and prepare for). You can expect bad weather; anticipating it means you bring an umbrella.