EXPECTATION

Definition of EXPECTATION

EXPECTATION Noun

Expectation is a noun that refers to the anticipation or belief that something will occur or a particular outcome will be achieved. It encompasses both the act of anticipating future events and the specific outcomes that are anticipated.

Anticipation of Future Events: Expectation involves anticipating that certain events will happen or that specific outcomes will be realized. For example, “Her expectation was that the project would be completed on time,” indicates that she anticipated the project would meet the deadline.

Standards and Beliefs: Expectation can also refer to the standards or beliefs one holds about how things should be. For instance, “The company’s expectations for performance are outlined in the employee handbook,” shows that there are specific standards or criteria that employees are expected to meet.

Cultural and Social Norms: In cultural and social contexts, expectation often relates to societal norms or roles. For example, “There are certain expectations for behavior in formal settings,” implies that social norms dictate how individuals should act in specific situations.

Personal and Professional Contexts: Expectation plays a role in personal and professional settings, influencing goals, aspirations, and performance. For instance, “His expectations for career advancement were high, leading him to pursue additional qualifications,” demonstrates how personal goals and aspirations are guided by expectations.

Psychological and Emotional Impact: Expectations can have a significant impact on psychological and emotional well-being. For example, “Unmet expectations can lead to disappointment and frustration,” indicates that when anticipated outcomes are not realized, it can affect one’s emotional state.

Expectations in Relationships: In relationships, expectation refers to the assumptions or beliefs one partner may have about the other’s behavior or actions. For instance, “Their expectations of mutual support and understanding were essential for a healthy relationship,” highlights how expectations shape relationship dynamics.

Role in Planning and Decision-Making: Expectation is crucial in planning and decision-making processes, guiding how individuals and organizations prepare for future events. For example, “Effective planning requires a clear understanding of future expectations,” shows that expectations help in setting goals and preparing for anticipated outcomes.

Impact on Performance and Outcomes: Expectations can influence the performance and results of various activities or endeavors. For instance, “The team’s expectations of high performance drove them to work harder,” illustrates how expectations can motivate or pressure individuals to achieve certain results.

In conclusion, expectation is a noun that denotes the anticipation or belief that something will happen or a particular outcome will be achieved. It encompasses the anticipation of future events, standards or beliefs about how things should be, and its impact on personal, professional, and social contexts. Understanding expectation helps in recognizing how it influences behavior, planning, and emotional responses, as well as how it shapes interpersonal relationships and societal norms.

Examples of EXPECTATION in a sentence

  • There was high expectation that the new product would revolutionize the market.
  • The team’s expectation was to win the championship after months of rigorous training.
  • She had an expectation of receiving a promotion after her successful project completion.
  • The expectation of success often comes with significant pressure and stress.
  • His expectation of a quick recovery was met with disappointment when his condition worsened.
  • The company’s expectation for employee productivity increased with the new policies.
  • The expectation that the weather would improve led them to plan their outdoor event for the weekend.
  • Parents often have high expectations for their children’s academic achievements.

Origin of EXPECTATION

The word expectation has its origins in Latin, evolving through Old French before becoming part of Modern English. It refers to the anticipation or belief of something that will happen.

  • Latin:
    • Expectatio (anticipation, expectation)
    • The Latin term expectatio comes from expectare, meaning “to await” or “to look out for.” It is derived from ex- (out) and spectare (to watch or look), reflecting the idea of awaiting something with anticipation.
  • Old French:
    • Expectation (anticipation, belief)
    • In Old French, expectation (from Latin expectatio) continued to denote the sense of anticipating or believing that something will happen.
  • Middle English:
    • Expectation (anticipation, belief)
    • By Middle English, expectation was used to describe the state of anticipating or believing in something, reflecting its Old French and Latin origins.
  • Modern English:
    • Expectation (the anticipation or belief of something that will happen)
    • In Modern English, expectation denotes the anticipation or belief that something will occur, maintaining its historical sense from Latin and Old French.

The term expectation has retained its core meaning of anticipating or believing in future events from its Latin origin in expectatio, through Old French and Middle English, to its current use in English, where it describes the act of looking forward to or anticipating something.

Synonyms

  • Anticipation
  • Assumption
  • Belief
  • Hope
  • Prediction
  • Forecast
  • Outlook
  • Prospect

Antonyms

  • Doubt
  • Uncertainty
  • Surprise
  • Disbelief
  • Mistrust
  • Unpredictability
  • Shock
  • Unawareness

Related

  • Aspiration
  • Desire
  • Standards
  • Probability
  • Presumption
  • Faith
  • Optimism
  • Waiting

🌐 🇬🇧 EXPECTATION in other languages

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