expect
/ɪkˈspɛkt/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: expects · expecting · expected
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To predict or believe that something will happen
Verb
Examples
when you least expect it
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To consider obligatory or required.
Verb
Examples
England expects that every man will do his duty.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “expect” mean?
To predict or believe that something will happen
Is “expect” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.