Spanish word

expectativa

Pronunciation

IPA/ekspektaˈtiβa/

Meaning

  • feminine nounexpectation

Example

Tengo muchas expectativas para la reunión de mañana.

I have high expectations for tomorrow's meeting.

Illustration for expectativa (expectation)

More examples

Es mejor ajustar las expectativas antes del proyecto.

It's better to adjust expectations before the project.

Core concept

A person gazing toward a distant horizon with a thought bubble showing a specific future outcome.

Common phrases

  • tener expectativas

    have expectations

  • satisfacer expectativas

    meet expectations

  • ajustar expectativas

    adjust expectations

Similar words

esperanza: Broad hope for good things ahead, experienced as hopeful optimism.
ilusión: Enthusiastic, daydream-like excitement picturing an event as real.
deseo: Powerful desire aimed at getting an object or achieving a condition.

Definition in Spanish

Sentimiento o idea de que algo ocurrirá de cierta manera; anticipación sobre un resultado futuro.

Word origin

From Latin expectatio, from the verb expectare (ex- "out" + spectare "to look"), originally meaning "to look out for" or wait for.

Usage tips

  • Common collocations include tener expectativas, crear expectativas, and estar a la altura de las expectativas, so it usually appears with verbs about having, raising, or meeting prospects.

Other meanings

  • prospectnoun
  • anticipationnoun
  • hopenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word