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). EXPECT definition: to look forward to; regard as likely to happen; anticipate the occurrence or the coming of. See examples of expect used in a sentence. EXPECT meaning: 1. to think or believe something will happen, or someone will arrive: 2. normal and what usually…. Learn more. EXPECT definition: 1. to think or believe something will happen, or someone will arrive: 2. normal and what usually…. Learn more. expect, hope, look mean to await some occurrence or outcome. expect implies a high degree of certainty and usually involves the idea of preparing or envisioning. To anticipate or look forward to something happening, often with a degree of certainty. The belief or anticipation that a specific event will happen. How Can You Think About Expect ? Imagine you're waiting for your favorite band to release a new album. You expect it to drop soon because of the buzz you’ve heard and the clues from the band. The simple definition of EXPECT is to think that something will probably or certainly happen —often followed by to + verb.