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expectation

ex·pec·ta·tion [ èk spek táysh'n ]

noun (plural ex·pec·ta·tions)

Definition:

1. anticipation of something happening: a confident belief or strong hope that a particular event will happen

2. notion of something: a mental image of something expected, often compared to its reality ( often used in the plural )

All our expectations of a quiet evening at home were dashed by the arrival of guests.

3. expected standard: a standard of conduct or performance expected by or of somebody ( often used in the plural )

Her work wasn't up to expectations.

4.
Same as expectancy (sense 1)

plural noun ex·pec·ta·tions

Definition:

prospects for future: somebody's likely prospects of wealth or success in the future, especially of inheriting money under somebody's will

Cultural Note


	Great Expectations, a novel (1861) by British writer Charles Dickens. It is the story of the orphan Pip, his early encounter with the convict Magwitch, and his love for the beautiful Estella, who lives with her eccentric guardian Miss Havisham. Pip subsequently receives a fortune from an unknown benefactor and moves to London, but is forced to return penniless to the humble blacksmith's home where he grew up. It is here that he ultimately reaches maturity and finds happiness.

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