See expect in American Heritage Dictionary 4 Synonyms
expect anticipate hope await
These verbs relate to the idea of looking ahead to something in the future. To expect is to look forward to the likely occurrence or appearance of someone or something: “We should not expect something for nothing—but we all do and call it Hope” (Edgar W. Howe).
Anticipate sometimes refers to taking advance action, as to forestall or prevent the occurrence of something expected or to meet a wish or request before it is articulated: anticipated the attack and locked the gates.
The term can also refer to having a foretaste of something expected: anticipate trouble.
To hope is to look forward with desire and usually with a measure of confidence in the likelihood of gaining what is desired: I hope to see you soon.
To await is to wait expectantly and with certainty: eagerly awaiting your letter.
See expect in Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus II
Learn more about expect
