Words / B1

eksp-ek-TAYSHUN/ˌekspekˈteɪʃn/

An expectation is a belief about the future, or a standard people think you should meet: below expectation; against expectations; expectation that. Expect is the verb (already in the dictionary). Hope is weaker and more emotional. Results below the school’s usual expectation.

Meaning

A belief that something will happen; also a standard people think you should meet.

Examples

• “Results came in below the school’s usual expectation.”
• “There is an expectation that coursework is your own work.”

Good to know

an expectation that; below / against expectations. Verb: expect. Weaker: hope. Work: meet expectations. Not “expectation of doing” — often that-clause.

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