expecting
-ing form of “expect” — regard something as probable or likely
An inflected form of expect · -ing form.
How often you will meet it
Rank 2,909 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 5,658 times across 155,139 chapters — 0.003% of every word in the library.
What it means
verb
- regard something as probable or likely also: anticipate The meteorologists are expecting rain for tomorrow
- consider obligatory; request and expect also: ask, require We require our secretary to be on timeAren't we asking too much of these children?
- look forward to the probable occurrence of also: look, await, wait We were expecting a visit from our relativesShe is looking to a promotion
- consider reasonable or due I'm expecting a full explanation as to why these files were destroyed
- look forward to the birth of a child She is expecting in March
- be pregnant with also: have a bun in the oven, bear, carry, gestate She is bearing his childThe are expecting another child in January
expecting in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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They had agreed to come together, expecting thus to intimidate me more easily.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1
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I knew quite well that he was expecting me to continue, and I did so.
The Betrayal · E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim · Chapter 1
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After which, he again walked up to Gluck and stood still, as if expecting some comment on his communication.
Famous Stories Every Child Should Know · Hamilton Wright [Editor] Mabie · Chapter 1
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He stared at the bend, expecting to see the stiff, plain figure of the detective emerge from the forest.
The Abandoned Room · Wadsworth Camp · Chapter 1
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And so this went on, the naked man perishing with anxiety, and expecting every moment to see people come in sight.
Following the Equator — Part 1 · Mark Twain · Chapter 1