expectant
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪkˈspɛktənt/
KK: /ɪkˈspɛktənt/
adjective
Definition
Describing a state of waiting or looking forward to something, often used to refer to someone who is pregnant or anticipating a significant event.
Example
The expectant mother prepared the nursery for her baby.
Conversation
I just saw Sarah at the park, and she looked really expectant today.
Oh really? I heard she might be pregnant!
Yeah, she was glowing like an expectant mother.
That's so exciting! I can't wait to hear more about it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
hopeful
anticipatory
pregnant
Antonyms
disappointed
unconcerned
indifferent
noun
Definition
A person who is waiting for something to happen or looking forward to a future event.
Example
The expectant waited eagerly for the announcement of the winner.
Conversation
I saw Sarah at the park yesterday, and she looked really expectant.
Oh really? That’s exciting!
Yeah, I wonder if she's finally getting the promotion she wanted.
Root Explanation
Expectant → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "spectare" (meaning to look). The word describes someone who is looking out for something, often in anticipation or hope.
Memory Tip
Think of someone 'looking out' ('spectare') for something 'out' ('ex-') — that's why expectant means waiting in anticipation.
Visually Confused Words
unexpectant
inexpectant
executant
respectant
exercitant
excitant
overexpectant
extant