Expectant

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

IPA: /ɪkˈspɛktənt/

Definitions

• Adjective: Having or showing an excited or eager anticipation of something about to happen.
• Adjective: (of a person) Pregnant.
• Adjective: Showing or expressing expectation, often related to an event or outcome.

Usage Examples

• The expectant mother awaited the arrival of her child with great joy.
• The expectant crowd cheered as the team entered the stadium.
• His expectant gaze showed he was waiting for an important phone call.
• She felt expectant, as if something wonderful was about to happen.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "expectare," meaning "to wait for" or "to look forward to." The term "expectant" was first recorded in English in the 16th century. Its usage originally referred to the act of anticipating an event or outcome, and over time, it also became associated with pregnancy and waiting for a child to be born.

Synonyms

• Anticipatory
• Eager
• Hopeful
• Waiting
• Pregnant
• Prepared

Antonyms

• Indifferent
• Unconcerned
• Unaware
• Surprised
• Unprepared

Translations

Major Global Languages

Indian Languages

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the word "expectant" is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable: /ɪkˈspɛktənt/.
• In American English, the word is pronounced in a more relaxed and quicker manner: /ɪkˈspɛktənt/.

Historical Usage

The word "expectant" has been in use since the early 16th century, initially meaning "to await" or "to look forward to." Over time, it developed its modern meaning, especially in relation to pregnancy, where it is used to describe someone who is anticipating the birth of a child. The broader use of the word to describe a general state of anticipation or hope became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, the term "expectant" carries different connotations depending on the context. In Western cultures, it is most commonly associated with pregnancy or anticipation of a significant event. In Eastern cultures, however, "expectant" may also refer to spiritual or religious anticipation, such as the expectation of enlightenment or a positive change in life.

More Information

The word "expectant" is often used in a variety of contexts, from personal anticipation of a specific event (such as waiting for a promotion or a child's birth) to the feeling of hope and eagerness for the future. It is commonly used in discussions about the emotional or psychological states that accompany periods of waiting or uncertainty. Expectancy is a key human experience, one that shapes behavior, decisions, and actions. The word is also utilized in medical and scientific contexts, particularly when discussing the expected outcomes of a medical condition, such as life expectancy or pregnancy expectancy.