Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a manner showing anticipation or eagerness for something to happen: The word "expectantly" describes the way someone acts or looks when they are waiting for something with hope, excitement, or a belief that it will occur.

Usage

• "Expectantly" is used to modify a verb (often a verb of looking, waiting, or listening) to describe how an action is performed.
• It indicates that the subject is in a state of expectation.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The crowd waited expectantly for the announcement. (The crowd waited in a manner full of anticipation for the announcement.)
  • She glanced expectantly at the mailbox every day. (She glanced at the mailbox every day with eager hope.)
  • "Is it ready?" he asked, looking at her expectantly. (He asked while looking at her in a way that showed he was eager for her answer.)

Advanced Usage

• "To hang on someone's words expectantly": To listen to someone very carefully and eagerly, anticipating what they will say next.
  • The students hung on the professor's every word expectantly.
• Used in narrative to build tension: Often used in writing to describe a character's demeanor before a significant event or revelation.
  • The room fell silent, and all eyes turned expectantly toward the door.

Variants and Related Words

• Expectant (adjective): Having or showing an excited feeling that something is about to happen.
  • The expectant audience cheered.
• Expectation (noun): A strong belief that something will happen.
  • There was a feeling of great expectation in the air.

Synonyms

• Anticipatorily: In a way that shows anticipation.
• Eagerly: With keen interest or enthusiasm.
• Hopefully: In a hopeful manner.

Antonyms

• Apathetically: Without interest or enthusiasm.
• Resignedly: In a way that accepts something undesirable without complaint.

Adverb

1. in an expectant manner
   • she looked at him expectantly