What is expectation? Pronunciation and usage in English

expectation means . Learn how to pronounce and use expectation through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of expectation

expectationnoun

/ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of expectation

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "expectation" in English. It’s a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is broken down into three syllables:

  • ex- (like "ex-" in "exit")
  • pec- (like "pec" in "pecan")
  • tation (this is the trickiest part!)

2. Pronunciation Guide:

Here's a phonetic approximation (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA, which is the most accurate way to represent sounds):

/ɪkˈspek.ʃən/

Let’s break that down further:

  • ɪk: A short, quick "ih" sound, like in "bit."
  • ˈspek: This is the stressed syllable. "Spek" rhymes with "neck." The sound is a bit of a blend of a "sp" sound and a short "e" sound.
  • ʃən: This is the final syllable. "Shun" – the “sh” sound followed by a “n” sound. It's a relatively short, soft sound.

3. Tips and Considerations:

  • Stress: The emphasis is on the second syllable ("spek"). This is very important.
  • "Tion" sound: The “tion” at the end can sometimes be a little slippery. Try to make it clear and distinct.
  • Don't over-elongate: Don’t stretch out each syllable too much. It should flow smoothly.

4. Listen to Examples:

  • Google Search: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken! Search "how to pronounce expectation" on Google and listen to several audio examples from native English speakers.
  • Forvo: (forvo.com) is a website with pronunciations of words by native speakers from around the world. Search for "expectation" there.
  • YouTube: Many pronunciation tutorials on YouTube demonstrate the word.

To help me give you even more tailored feedback, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Pronunciation can vary a bit by region)

Usage and examples with the word expectation in English

Let's break down how to use the word "expectation" in English. It's a versatile word with a specific meaning, and understanding its nuances is key to using it correctly.

1. Basic Definition:

  • Expectation: A belief that something will happen or be the case; a hope or anticipation. It’s essentially what you think should or will occur.

2. How to Use It – Different Contexts:

Here's a breakdown of how to use "expectation" in various sentences, with examples:

  • As a Noun (the thing itself):

    • General Expectations: "There's a general expectation that employees will be punctual." (Meaning: a common belief about what employees should be.)
    • Personal Expectations: “I have high expectations for my students.” (Meaning: my own personal hopes and beliefs about their performance.)
    • Social Expectations: "Society has certain expectations about how women should behave." (Meaning: what society considers appropriate behavior for women.)
    • Expectations vs. Reality: “His expectation of a perfect vacation was shattered when it rained for the whole week.” (Highlighting the difference between the anticipated and actual event.)

  • As a Verb (to anticipate or suppose):

    • To Expect: "I expect to finish the report by Friday.” (Meaning: I anticipate finishing it by Friday.)
    • To Expect Something of Someone: “I expect a lot from my team members.” (Meaning: I believe they should perform at a certain level.)
    • To Expect Someone to Do Something: "I expect you to be on time." (Meaning: I want you to arrive on time.)

3. Common Phrases and Expressions:

  • Meet expectations: "The new software met the client's expectations." (Successfully fulfilled what was hoped for.)
  • Disappointing expectations: "The film had high expectations, but the ending was underwhelming." (Expectations weren't fulfilled.)
  • Manage expectations: "It's important to manage expectations about the timeline of the project." (To keep people's ideas about the timeline realistic.)
  • Unrealistic expectations: "Having unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment." (Expectations are not based on reality.)
  • Set expectations: “The teacher set clear expectations for classroom behavior.” (Establish what is expected.)
  • Let someone down (with unmet expectations): "He let me down because he didn't deliver on his expectations."

4. Related Words & Synonyms:

  • Anticipation: Feeling of excitement about something about to happen.
  • Assumption: A belief without proof.
  • Hope: A feeling of expectation and desire.
  • Forecast: A prediction about the future.

5. Examples in Sentences (Combining Different Uses):

  • “Her expectations for her daughter’s future were very high, driven by her own ambition.” (Noun + Verb)
  • “The company tried to manage the expectations of investors about the new product launch.” (Verb +Noun)
  • “He always set realistic expectations for himself, avoiding unnecessary stress.” (Verb + Adjective)

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., work, relationships, personal goals, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word expectation

Practice with vocabulary expectation

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Managing customer ___________ is key to maintaining satisfaction and repeat business.
  2. Due to unforeseen market shifts, our financial ___________ for the next quarter have been revised downwards.
  3. The company's new policy aims to align employee conduct with organizational ___________ for professionalism.
  4. The final ___________ of the committee was to approve the budget adjustments without further delay.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which terms describe a strong belief about the future or a predefined level of performance? a) Hypothesis b) Expectation c) Standard d) Assumption

  2. In professional communication, it's crucial to manage client ___________ to avoid misunderstandings and ensure satisfaction. a) requirements b) demands c) expectations d) projections

  3. After the successful pilot program, there was a widespread ___________ that the full implementation would follow quickly. a) belief b) apprehension c) expectation d) sentiment

  4. The board finalized its ___________, recommending a new approach to resource allocation. a) proposal b) resolution c) suggestion d) recommendation

  5. When conducting academic research, it's important to differentiate between observed phenomena and personal ___________. a) biases b) predictions c) preconceptions d) interpretations

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Everyone believes that the new software will significantly improve efficiency. Rewrite using "expectation":

  2. The manager wanted to create a more collaborative work environment. Rewrite using "expectation":

  3. We need to identify our primary aims for the upcoming fiscal year. Rewrite without using "expectation" or related forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Managing customer expectations is key to maintaining satisfaction and repeat business.
  2. Due to unforeseen market shifts, our financial projections for the next quarter have been revised downwards.
  3. The company's new policy aims to align employee conduct with organizational expectations for professionalism.
  4. The final decision of the committee was to approve the budget adjustments without further delay.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Expectation, c) Standard
  2. a) requirements, b) demands, c) expectations
  3. a) belief, c) expectation
  4. a) proposal, b) resolution, c) suggestion, d) recommendation
  5. a) biases, c) preconceptions

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. There is a general expectation that the new software will significantly improve efficiency.
  2. The manager's expectation was to foster a more collaborative work environment.
  3. We need to identify our primary objectives for the upcoming fiscal year.

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