expectation

Expectation is defined as believing that something is going to happen or believing that something should be a certain way.

(noun)

An example of expectation is a belief that you will be getting promoted.
An example of expectation is a belief that you should behave as a proper lady or gentleman.

See expectation in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a looking forward to; anticipation
a looking for as due, proper, or necessary
a thing looked forward to
a reason or warrant for looking forward to something; prospect for the future, as of advancement or prosperity
the probability of the occurrence, duration, etc. of something, esp. as indicated by statistics

Origin: L expectatio < pp. of expectare: see expect

Related Forms:

See expectation in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. The act of expecting.
b. Eager anticipation: eyes shining with expectation.
The state of being expected.
a. Something expected: a result that did not live up to expectations.
b. expectations Prospects, especially of success or gain.
Statistics
a. The expected value of a random variable.
b. The mean of a random variable.