expectant
C1formal, neutral
Definition
Meaning
Having or showing an excited feeling that something is about to happen, especially something pleasant.
Also refers to a pregnant woman, as she is waiting for the birth of a child.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an adjective; 'expectant' implies a state of hopeful anticipation rather than just waiting. The noun form is 'expectancy' (the feeling) or 'expectant' (specifically a pregnant woman).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are largely identical. The primary difference is regional pronunciation.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in both varieties. In medical/formal contexts, 'expectant mother' is standard in both.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to be expectant [of something]with an expectant look/expressionan expectant mother/parentVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “an air of expectancy”
- “wait with bated breath”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in phrases like 'an expectant market awaited the new product launch.'
Academic
Used in psychological or sociological studies of anticipation and hope.
Everyday
Commonly used to describe someone waiting for news or a result.
Technical
In medicine: 'expectant management' (monitoring a condition rather than immediate intervention).
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The expectant queue outside the shop stretched around the corner.
- She had that familiar, expectant glow of a mother-to-be.
American English
- The expectant line outside the store went around the block.
- Her face wore the expectant look of someone waiting for big news.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children were expectant before their birthday party.
- There was an expectant silence before the exam results were read out.
- The company's shareholders listened with expectant interest to the CEO's new strategy announcement.
- A policy of expectant management was adopted, monitoring the patient's condition rather than opting for immediate surgery.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'EXPECT' + 'ANT' – a tiny ant waiting eagerly for its next crumb.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANTICIPATION IS A CONTAINER (filled with hope/eagerness).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'ожидаемый' (expected). 'Expectant' is 'ожидающий' (in a state of waiting).
- Do not translate 'expectant mother' as 'ожидаемая мать' – it's 'будущая мать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'expected' instead of 'expectant' (e.g., 'The expected crowd cheered' vs. 'The expectant crowd waited').
- Overusing the word for simple waiting without the element of hope/eagerness.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'expectant' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while 'expectant mother' is a very common collocation, the adjective can describe anyone in a state of hopeful anticipation.
'Expectant' describes a person's feeling or state. 'Anticipated' describes the event that is expected (e.g., 'the anticipated arrival').
Yes, though less common. It can formally mean 'a person who expects something,' but its most specific nominal use is for a pregnant woman (e.g., 'a clinic for expectants').
It is grammatically possible but sounds slightly formal or old-fashioned. More natural phrasing would be 'I am looking forward to the holidays' or 'I am eagerly awaiting the holidays.'