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expectant

adjective

/ɪkˈspɛk tənt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of expectant

Eagerly anticipating or looking forward to something, typically with a sense of hopeful excitement.
"The expectant mother felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as her due date approached."

Detailed meaning of expectant

It conveys a state of hopeful expectation and readiness, often associated with a specific event or outcome. When someone is described as expectant, it implies that they are eagerly awaiting a desired result or anticipating a positive experience. It can apply to various situations, such as an expectant mother eagerly awaiting the birth of her child or a job applicant awaiting news about a potential job offer. The term "expectant" carries a sense of optimism and readiness, suggesting that the individual is prepared and hopeful for what lies ahead. It signifies a state of hopeful anticipation and positive expectancy, often accompanied by a sense of excitement or enthusiasm.

Example sentences containing expectant

1. The expectant couple is eagerly preparing for the arrival of their first child.
2. The audience sat in expectant silence, waiting for the concert to begin.
3. The expectant students waited anxiously for their exam results.
4. The team huddled together with expectant faces, ready to hear the coach's halftime strategy.
5. The expectant bride couldn't hide her radiant smile as she walked down the aisle.
6. The expectant actor was thrilled to receive a nomination for an esteemed award.

History and etymology of expectant

The adjective 'expectant' traces its etymology to the Latin word 'expectans,' which is the present participle form of the verb 'expectare.' 'Expectare' is a compound of 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'spectare' meaning 'to look' or 'to watch.' This etymological foundation highlights the essence of the word 'expectant,' as it signifies eagerly anticipating or looking forward to something with a sense of hopeful excitement. The prefix 'ex-' suggests a forward-facing orientation, and 'spectare' emphasizes the act of looking or watching. Therefore, 'expectant' embodies the idea of eagerly awaiting something with a forward-looking and hopeful perspective, a quality that is intrinsically connected to its Latin origins.

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Further usage examples of expectant

1. The expectant crowd eagerly awaited the announcement of the contest winner.
2. The expectant students held their breath as the professor handed back their graded papers.
3. The expectant job applicant nervously waited for the interview to begin.
4. The expectant travelers packed their bags with anticipation for their upcoming vacation.
5. The expectant fans lined up outside the stadium hours before the game, eager to secure the best seats.
6. The expectant crowd waited for the band to take the stage.
7. She felt expectant about the upcoming job interview.
8. The children's expectant faces lit up at the sight of gifts.
9. Their expectant hearts raced as they approached the finish line.
10. We're all so expectant for the new restaurant's grand opening.
11. The expectant couple eagerly prepared for their baby's arrival.
12. An expectant hush fell over the audience before the play began.
13. The expectant student awaited the results of the scholarship.
14. The expectant atmosphere in the stadium was electric.
15. The team was expectant of victory in the championship.
16. His expectant smile revealed his excitement for the trip.
17. The expectant buzz in the air signaled the festival's start.
18. She wore an expectant expression, hoping for good news.
19. The expectant bride couldn't wait to walk down the aisle.
20. An expectant air of optimism pervaded the conference.
21. The expectant teacher eagerly greeted her new students.
22. Their expectant laughter filled the room as jokes were shared.
23. As the expectant season approached, the town decorated.
24. The expectant athlete visualized winning the gold medal.
25. His expectant eyes sparkled with hope for the future.