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

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