expectancy
UK: ɪkˈspek.tən.si | US: ɪkˈspek.tən.si
n. the state of expecting or hoping for something, especially something positive
n. (statistics) the average number of years a person is expected to live
expectancy = expect<await> + ancy<noun suffix>
- expect (from Latin exspectare, "to look out for, await," combining ex- "out" + spectare "to look")
- ancy (noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality, from Latin -antia)
Etymology Origin:
The word "expectancy" traces back to Latin exspectantia, meaning "the act of awaiting." It combines exspectare (to watch for, hope for) with the suffix -antia, which denotes a state or condition. Over time, the spelling simplified to "expectancy" in English, retaining the core idea of anticipation or hopeful waiting. The term later expanded into statistical contexts (e.g., "life expectancy") to quantify projected outcomes.
The crowd waited with eager expectancy for the concert to begin.
Life expectancy has increased significantly due to advances in medicine.
Her face showed quiet expectancy as she opened the gift.
Investors are watching the market with cautious expectancy.
The novel builds a sense of suspense and expectancy in its final chapters.