expectation

A belief about what will probably happen.

• My expectation was that he would come.
• The result was contrary to expectation.
• Their expectations of success proved correct.

How to use it: expectation that… (There is an expectation that prices will rise.); expectation of something (We had no expectation of an early reply.)

Similar words: anticipation

Common phrases: expectation of something, contrary to expectation, reasonable expectation

Something other people believe you should do or achieve.

• The expectation is that you attend every lesson.
• His work met our expectations.
• Are their expectations of the team realistic?

How to use it: expectation that… (Our expectation is that everyone will arrive on time.); expectations of someone (Her parents had high expectations of her.)

Similar words: requirement, demand

Common phrases: meet an expectation, high expectation, expectation of someone, social expectation

The feeling of waiting for something you believe is about to happen.

• The crowd waited in expectation.
• We set the table in expectation of our guests.
• He watched the door with eager expectation.

How to use it: in expectation of something (She checked her phone in expectation of a message.)

Similar words: anticipation

Common phrases: in expectation, in expectation of, eager expectation