What is the difference between 'expectation' and 'hope'?

'Expectation' implies a stronger belief that something will happen, often based on reason or precedent. 'Hope' is more about desire and optimism, without the same implication of likelihood.

Can 'expectation' be used in the plural?

Yes, 'expectations' is very common and refers to multiple specific anticipated outcomes or standards (e.g., parental expectations, market expectations).

Is 'expectation' a formal word?

It is neutral-register but is frequently used in formal, academic, and business contexts. Simpler words like 'hope' or 'think' are more common in casual speech.

How do I use 'expectation' in a business report?

Use it to state forecasts or standards: 'The Q4 sales are in line with market expectations.' or 'The project deliverables exceeded client expectations.'

expectation sunday

UK/ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃ(ə)n/US/ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃ(ə)n/

Formal, Academic, Business, Everyday

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A belief or strong hope that something will happen or is likely to happen.

The feeling of anticipating something with pleasure, excitement, or sometimes apprehension; also refers to a standard of performance or behaviour that is considered due or reasonable.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Often implies a degree of probability or reasonableness about the anticipated event. It can also carry a normative connotation (e.g., social expectations).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Usage and meaning are virtually identical. Minor differences may appear in specific collocations or preferred synonyms.

Connotations

Similar connotations of anticipation, probability, and normative standards in both varieties.

Frequency

High frequency in both varieties, with slightly higher use in business/academic contexts.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

live up tofall short ofhighlowunrealisticraisemanage

medium

contrary toin themeetexceedsethave

weak

patientgreatpubliccertaingeneral

Grammar

Valency Patterns

expectation of + [noun/gerund]expectation that + [clause]expectation for + [noun/pronoun]have/hold an expectation

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

forecastpredictionpresupposition

Neutral

anticipationprospectassumptionpresumption

Weak

hopebeliefsuspicion

Vocabulary

Antonyms

surpriseshockunpredictabilitydoubt

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“against all expectations”
“beyond (one's) expectations”
“lower expectations”
“the expectation is that...”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Refers to forecasts of financial performance, market trends, or stakeholder demands.

Academic

Used in statistical analysis (expected value), literary theory (reader's expectation), and social sciences.

Everyday

Commonly used regarding social plans, family events, or personal hopes.

Technical

In computing/probability theory: the expected value or outcome of a process.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

We expect the delivery by Thursday.
She is expecting a child.

American English

We expect the delivery by Thursday.
She is expecting a baby.

adverb

British English

Unexpectedly, the meeting was cancelled.
She waited expectantly.

American English

Unexpectedly, the meeting was canceled.
She waited expectantly.

adjective

British English

The expected arrival time is 3 PM.
He gave an expectant look.

American English

The expected arrival time is 3 PM.
He gave an expectant look.

Examples

By CEFR Level

I have an expectation that it will be sunny tomorrow.
Her expectation is to see her friend.

The company failed to meet our expectations.
There is a general expectation that prices will rise.

Contrary to all expectations, the underdog team won the championship.
The high expectations placed on young athletes can be overwhelming.

The economic model is based on the rational expectations of market participants.
Her groundbreaking research has redefined expectations in the field of biotechnology.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'expect' + 'ation' – the state of expecting something.

Conceptual Metaphor

EXPECTATION IS A CONTAINER (e.g., 'filled with expectation'), A PATH (e.g., 'live up to expectations'), or a BURDEN (e.g., 'the weight of expectation').

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Do not confuse with 'ожидание' (waiting) in all contexts; 'expectation' is more about the mental state of anticipation, not the act of waiting.
Avoid direct translation of 'have expectations' as 'иметь ожидания'; 'to expect' is often 'ожидать', but 'expectation' is better translated as 'ожидание' (noun) or 'расчёт' in some contexts.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect preposition: 'expectation on' (use 'of' or 'for').
Using plural incorrectly for a single hope (e.g., 'My expectation are...').
Confusing 'expectation' with 'exception' in spelling.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The new manager's performance fell short of the board's high .

Multiple Choice

Which preposition typically follows 'expectation' when referring to what is anticipated?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: 'Expectation' implies a stronger belief that something will happen, often based on reason or precedent. 'Hope' is more about desire and optimism, without the same implication of likelihood.
: Yes, 'expectations' is very common and refers to multiple specific anticipated outcomes or standards (e.g., parental expectations, market expectations).
: It is neutral-register but is frequently used in formal, academic, and business contexts. Simpler words like 'hope' or 'think' are more common in casual speech.
: Use it to state forecasts or standards: 'The Q4 sales are in line with market expectations.' or 'The project deliverables exceeded client expectations.'