expectance

expectance

A young couple waits with expectance for the arrival of their first child.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • State of anticipation: "expectance" refers to the condition of waiting for something to happen, often with a sense of hope or belief that it will occur.
    • Prospect or likelihood: It can also denote the probability or expectation that something will be realized, such as a future event or outcome.
Usage Examples
  • (A hopeful state of waiting for healing.)
  • (Anticipation of an exciting event.)
  • (Likelihood of a weather event.)
Advanced Usage

  • "in expectance of": while waiting for or anticipating something.

    • They prepared the hall in expectance of the guest speaker. (They made arrangements while anticipating the speaker's arrival.)

  • "expectance of life": the predicted number of years a person is expected to live, based on statistical averages.

    • The expectance of life has increased dramatically over the past century. (The average lifespan has risen.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Expectancy (n): a synonym for "expectance," often used in similar contexts, especially in phrases like "life expectancy."

    • The expectancy of a promotion kept him motivated at work. (The hope of advancement.)

  • Expectant (adj): feeling or showing anticipation; also used for a pregnant woman.

    • The expectant mother smiled at her baby's first kick. (A pregnant woman showing anticipation.)

  • Expect (v): to regard something as likely to happen.

    • I expect the train to arrive soon. (I believe it will happen.)
Synonyms
  • Anticipation: the action of expecting something to happen.
  • Hope: a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing.
  • Expectation: a strong belief that something will happen or be the case.
Phrasal Verbs
  • "Expectance" is a noun and does not form phrasal verbs.
Related Idioms

  • "to be on tenterhooks": to be in a state of suspense or anxious expectance.

    • The students were on tenterhooks waiting for their exam results. (In a state of nervous anticipation.)

  • "to hold one's breath": to wait in great expectance, often with anxiety.

    • The team held their breath as the referee made the final call. (Waited anxiously.)