Expect/ɪkˈspekt/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/2Certainty Level Use 'expect' when you are quite sure about future events, but there is still some uncertainty. I expect she'll finish the report by Friday. Pro Tip 2/2Predicting Behavior 'Expect' can convey belief in how people will behave based on past actions. Given his punctuality, I expect Tom to be on time.