Expectation Meaning
Expectation Definition & Usage
The belief that something will happen or that something is likely to be the case.
Examples
- "Her expectation was that the meeting would be brief, but it lasted for hours."
- "We have high expectations for the new software release."
- "After the presentation, his expectation of a promotion was higher than before."
- "The expectation of success drove him to work tirelessly every day."
- "Parents often have high expectations for their children's academic performance."
A mental state in which one looks forward to something happening or believes something is about to happen.
Examples
- "The feeling of expectation filled the room as the actor prepared for his big scene."
- "He felt the weight of expectation from his family to succeed."
- "Their expectation of immediate results led to disappointment when things took longer."
- "There was a nervous expectation in the crowd before the final match."
- "She carried with her the expectation of being chosen for the award."
The standard or norm that someone is supposed to meet based on social, cultural, or familial pressures.
Examples
- "In many cultures, the expectation for young adults is to settle into stable careers quickly."
- "There's an expectation in the workplace to be available 24/7, which can be overwhelming."
- "The expectation of politeness often influences how people interact with strangers."
- "Cultural expectations about gender roles can be limiting."
- "They faced the expectation of being perfect in every way, which was mentally exhausting."
Cultural Context
The word 'expectation' originates from the Latin word 'expectatio,' meaning 'a waiting for' or 'anticipation.' Over time, it evolved to encompass both the belief that something will happen and the emotional experience of waiting for it.
The Weight of Expectation
Story
The Weight of Expectation
In a small town nestled in the mountains, Elena had grown up under the shadow of her family's expectations. Her parents, both successful business owners, had always seen her as the one to carry on their legacy. From a young age, she was told that hard work and discipline would pave the way to success. Yet, as she walked the cobblestone streets to the town's annual festival, Elena couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. Her thoughts wandered to the speech she had been asked to deliver at the event. 'Just make sure you show your best side,' her mother had said that morning. 'The community expects great things from you.' The expectation was clear: she needed to be perfect. But Elena wasn’t sure she could meet those expectations anymore. The crowd was waiting in hushed anticipation as Elena took the stage. She could feel the weight of their gazes, the collective expectation hanging in the air. It was a strange feeling, a mixture of anxiety and hope. Could she speak from her heart and still live up to their expectations? As she opened her mouth, Elena realized something. The expectation wasn’t just for her success—it was a reflection of the community’s hopes for its future. They saw in her the possibility of continued prosperity and tradition. With a deep breath, Elena began to speak, not about her parents' business or the town’s history, but about the future she envisioned for herself and her generation. The crowd listened intently, their expectation shifting. No longer was it solely about meeting the old standards; it became about understanding what it meant to forge one’s own path. As she finished, a quiet murmur spread through the crowd. The expectation had transformed into something more personal—hope for new directions. Later that evening, Elena sat on the porch, watching the sunset. She thought about the day’s events and the pressure she had felt. Perhaps she hadn’t fully met everyone’s expectations, but for the first time, she felt free of them. She had given her own expectation for the future a voice. And in that moment, Elena realized that the greatest expectation was the one she placed on herself.
Related Words
