Expectation

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /ˌɛk.spekˈteɪ.ʃən/

Definitions

• Noun: A strong belief or anticipation that something will happen or be the case.
• Noun: The state of thinking that something is going to happen in the future, often associated with hope or prediction.
• Noun: A person’s attitude or mindset regarding what should be, given a set of circumstances.

Usage Examples

• Her expectation was that the project would be completed on time.
• After the presentation, he was filled with the expectation of success.
• The company’s expectation for growth in the upcoming quarter was high.

Etymology

The word "expectation" comes from the Latin word "expectatio," meaning "a waiting for" or "anticipation." This term is derived from "expectare," which means "to wait for" or "look forward to." The word "expectation" has been used in English since the late 14th century, initially referring to the act of waiting for something to happen, and later evolving to include the broader sense of anticipation and belief in future outcomes.

Synonyms

• Anticipation
• Hope
• Forecast
• Outlook
• Assumption
• Belief

Antonyms

• Disappointment
• Uncertainty
• Surprise
• Unpredictability
• Doubt

Translations

Major Global Languages

Indian Languages

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the word "expectation" is typically pronounced with the stress on the second syllable: /ˌɛk.spekˈteɪ.ʃən/.
• In American English, the pronunciation is quite similar, though it may sound slightly more relaxed in tone: /ˌɛk.spekˈteɪ.ʃən/.

Historical Usage

The concept of "expectation" has been central to human society for centuries. In early English texts, it was used in the context of anticipating future events or outcomes, particularly in theological or philosophical writings. Over time, the term expanded beyond religious contexts to encompass a wide range of human experiences, from economic expectations to personal hopes. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the word gained prominence in psychology and sociology, where it was used to describe the mental processes associated with anticipating future events.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, expectation is tied to hope, ambition, and societal pressure. For instance, in Western cultures, particularly in capitalist societies, high expectations are often placed on individuals to succeed and achieve. In contrast, in Eastern cultures, the concept of expectation may sometimes be tied to a sense of duty or collective responsibility, where the focus is on fulfilling societal or familial expectations. The concept of expectation also differs across religious beliefs, with some faiths viewing it as a virtue or as a test of patience.

More Information

The term "expectation" has many applications across different fields, including psychology, economics, and even philosophy. In psychology, it refers to the cognitive process of anticipating future events, while in economics, it relates to the predictions individuals or groups make about future market conditions. In philosophy, expectation is often discussed in terms of human desires and their connection to happiness. Moreover, "expectation" is closely linked with concepts such as optimism and pessimism, shaping how individuals approach life's challenges and opportunities.