expect

UK: ɪkˈspekt | US: ɪkˈspekt

Definition

  1. vt. to regard something as likely to happen

  2. vt. to consider something due or necessary

  3. vt. to anticipate or look forward to something

Structure
ex <out>pect <look>ex <out>pect <look>
Etymology

The word "expect" originates from Latin expectare, combining ex- (out) and spectare (to look). It originally meant "to look out for" or "await," evolving into its modern sense of anticipating or considering something likely. The morpheme pect is a reduced form of spect, reflecting the word’s phonetic simplification over time.

Examples

  1. We expect the results by tomorrow.

  2. She didn’t expect such a warm welcome.

  3. The team is expected to win the championship.

  4. Do you expect me to believe that?

  5. He arrived earlier than expected.