Expect vs. Hope — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 29, 2023
"Expect" implies a strong belief something will happen or is likely. "Hope" denotes a desire for a specific outcome, without certainty. You expect outcomes based on evidence; you hope based on wishes.
Difference Between Expect and Hope
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Key Differences
"Expect" and "Hope" are both verbs that relate to the anticipation of a future event. However, their nuances differ substantially. When one says they "expect," it means they have a strong belief or a feeling of certainty that something will occur. This belief might be based on evidence, patterns, or past experiences. On the contrary, to "hope" means to have a desire for a certain outcome to happen, but it doesn't necessarily mean that it's certain or likely. One can hope for the best even in dire situations, even if the outcome looks grim.
Digging deeper, "expect" usually demands a foundation or reason for that anticipation. For instance, if one expects rain, it's probably because they've seen a weather forecast or perhaps noticed dark clouds looming. "Hope," however, is more emotional and might not always have a concrete basis. It is more about what one wishes or desires, even against the odds. If someone says they hope it rains, it means they desire rain, perhaps for personal or emotional reasons, even if the forecast suggests otherwise.
Furthermore, "expect" can sometimes come off as demanding or entitled, especially in interpersonal contexts. If someone says they expect you to behave in a certain way, it can sound imposing. On the other hand, "hope" is gentler, expressing a wish without the weight of demands. Saying you hope someone will act in a certain way leaves room for personal choice and doesn't sound as forceful.
In terms of linguistic construction, both "expect" and "hope" can be followed by infinitive verbs. For example, "I expect to win" and "I hope to win." However, in terms of tone and meaning, the former exudes confidence based on some rationale, while the latter exudes a simple desire without assuredness.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Belief something will happen
Desire for something to happen
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Basis
Evidence, patterns
Wishes, desires
Tone in Interpersonal Context
Can be demanding
Gentle, non-imposing
Associated Feeling
Certainty
Optimism without certainty
Grammatical Construction
Often followed by an infinitive verb
Can also be followed by an infinitive verb
Compare with Definitions
Expect
To anticipate something as likely to occur.
I expect it will rain later based on the forecast.
Hope
Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one's life or the world at large. As a verb, its definitions include: "expect with confidence" and "to cherish a desire with anticipation."Among its opposites are dejection, hopelessness, and despair.
Expect
To regard something as due or necessary.
I expect punctuality from my employees.
Hope
To wish for a particular event that one considers possible
We are hoping for more financial support.
Expect
To look forward to something.
I expect to see results within a month.
Hope
(Archaic) To have confidence; trust.
Expect
To foresee or predict.
Based on his past behavior, I expect he will decline the invitation.
Hope
To desire and consider possible
I hope that you will join us for dinner. We hope to buy a house in the spring.
Expect
Expect is an extension to the Tcl scripting language written by Don Libes. The program automates interactions with programs that expose a text terminal interface.
Hope
The longing or desire for something accompanied by the belief in the possibility of its occurrence
He took singing lessons in the hope of performing in the musical.
Expect
Regard (something) as likely to happen
One might expect that Hollywood would adjust its approach
It's as well to expect the worst
The hearing is expected to last a week
Hope
An instance of such longing or desire
Her hopes of becoming a doctor have not changed.
Expect
To look forward to the probable occurrence or appearance of
Expecting a phone call.
Expects rain on Sunday.
Hope
A source of or reason for such longing or desire
Good pitching is the team's only hope for victory.
Expect
To consider likely or certain
Expect to see them soon. See Usage Note at anticipate.
Hope
Often Hope(Christianity) The theological virtue defined as the desire and search for a future good, difficult but not impossible to attain with God's help.
Expect
To consider reasonable or due
We expect an apology.
Hope
(Archaic) Trust; confidence.
Expect
To consider obligatory; require
The school expects its pupils to be on time.
Hope
To want something to happen, with a sense of expectation that it might.
I hope everyone enjoyed the meal.
I am still hoping that all will turn out well.
Expect
(Informal) To presume; suppose.
Hope
To be optimistic; be full of hope; have hopes.
Expect
To be pregnant. Used in progressive tenses
My wife is expecting again.
Hope
(intransitive) To place confidence; to trust with confident expectation of good; usually followed by in.
Expect
(ambitransitive) To predict or believe that something will happen
I expect to be able to walk again after getting over my broken leg.
He never expected to be discovered.
We ended up waiting a little longer than we had expected
The doctor said he expected me to make a full recovery.
Hope
To wish.
Expect
To consider obligatory or required.
Hope
The feeling of trust, confidence, belief or expectation that something wished for can or will happen.
I still have some hope that I can get to work on time.
After losing my job, there's no hope of being able to afford my world cruise.
There is still hope that we can find our missing cat.
Expect
To consider reasonably due.
You are expected to get the task done by the end of next week.
Hope
(countable) The actual thing wished for.
Expect
(continuous aspect only, of a woman or couple) To be pregnant, to consider a baby due.
Hope
(countable) A person or thing that is a source of hope.
We still have one hope left: my roommate might see the note I left on the table.
Expect
To wait for; to await.
Hope
The virtuous desire for future good.
Expect
To wait; to stay.
Hope
A hollow; a valley, especially the upper end of a narrow mountain valley when it is nearly encircled by smooth, green slopes; a combe.
Expect
To wait for; to await.
Let's in, and there expect their coming.
Hope
A sloping plain between mountain ridges.
Expect
To look for (mentally); to look forward to, as to something that is believed to be about to happen or come; to have a previous apprehension of, whether of good or evil; to look for with some confidence; to anticipate; - often followed by an infinitive, sometimes by a clause (with, or without, that); as, I expect to receive wages; I expect that the troops will be defeated.
The Somersetshire or yellow regiment . . . was expected to arrive on the following day.
Hope
(Scotland) A small bay; an inlet; a haven.
Expect
To wait; to stay.
Hope
A sloping plain between mountain ridges.
Expect
Expectation.
Hope
A small bay; an inlet; a haven.
Expect
Regard something as probable or likely;
The meteorologists are expecting rain for tomorrow
Hope
A desire of some good, accompanied with an expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable; an expectation of something which is thought to be desirable; confidence; pleasing expectancy.
The hypocrite's hope shall perish.
He wished, but not with hope.
New thoughts of God, new hopes of Heaven.
Expect
Consider obligatory; request and expect;
We require our secretary to be on time
Aren't we asking too much of these children?
I expect my students to arrive in time for their lessons
Hope
One who, or that which, gives hope, furnishes ground of expectation, or promises desired good.
The Lord will be the hope of his people.
A young gentleman of great hopes, whose love of learning was highly commendable.
Expect
Look forward to the probable occurrence of;
We were expecting a visit from our relatives
She is looking to a promotion
He is waiting to be drafted
Hope
That which is hoped for; an object of hope.
Lavina is thine elder brother's hope.
Expect
Consider reasonable or due;
I'm expecting a full explanation as to why these files were destroyed
Hope
To entertain or indulge hope; to cherish a desire of good, or of something welcome, with expectation of obtaining it or belief that it is obtainable; to expect; - usually followed by for.
But I will hope continually.
Expect
Be pregnant with;
She is bearing his child
The are expecting another child in January
I am carrying his child
Hope
To place confidence; to trust with confident expectation of good; - usually followed by in.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God.
Expect
Look forward to the birth of a child;
She is expecting in March
Hope
To desire with expectation or with belief in the possibility or prospect of obtaining; to look forward to as a thing desirable, with the expectation of obtaining it; to cherish hopes of.
We hope no other from your majesty.
[Charity] hopeth all things.
Hope
To expect; to fear.
Hope
A specific instance of feeling hopeful;
It revived their hope of winning the pennant
Hope
The general feeling that some desire will be fulfilled;
In spite of his troubles he never gave up hope
Hope
Grounds for feeling hopeful about the future;
There is little or no promise that he will recover
Hope
Someone (or something) on which expectations are centered;
He was their best hope for a victory
Hope
United States comedian (born in England) who appeared in films with Bing Crosby (born in 1903)
Hope
One of the three Christian virtues
Hope
Expect and wish;
I trust you will behave better from now on
I hope she understands that she cannot expect a raise
Hope
Be optimistic; be full of hope; have hopes;
I am still hoping that all will turn out well
Hope
Intend with some possibility of fulfilment;
I hope to have finished this work by tomorrow evening
Hope
To desire with anticipation.
I hope we can visit the beach this weekend.
Hope
To trust or wish for a favorable outcome.
She hopes her efforts will be recognized.
Hope
To feel optimism or positivity about a situation.
Despite the challenges, he never lost hope.
Hope
To intend or aspire, with uncertainty.
I hope to complete this project by Friday.
Hope
A feeling of expectation and optimism.
The charity event was filled with hope for a better future.
Common Curiosities
Is "expect" stronger than "hope"?
Yes, "expect" suggests certainty, while "hope" indicates a wish or desire.
Is "hope" always positive?
Generally, "hope" carries a positive connotation, but it can be used in neutral or uncertain scenarios.
Why do people say "hope for the best but expect the worst"?
It means to remain optimistic while being prepared for possible negative outcomes.
Can "expect" imply a sense of entitlement?
Yes, saying you "expect" something can sometimes sound demanding or entitled.
Do "expect" and "hope" have similar grammatical constructions?
Both can be followed by infinitive verbs, but their meanings and nuances differ.
Can "expect" and "hope" be used interchangeably?
They can in some contexts, but they carry different nuances of certainty and desire.
Is "expecting" synonymous with "pregnant"?
In some contexts, "expecting" is a euphemism for being pregnant.
Is "hope" more emotional than "expect"?
Yes, "hope" is often tied to personal wishes and feelings, while "expect" is more rational.
Is "hope" used more in religious contexts?
"Hope" is a common theme in many religious texts, symbolizing faith and trust in positive outcomes.
Why might someone say "I didn't expect that"?
They're expressing surprise at an unforeseen event.
How can I use "hope" in a sentence without expressing uncertainty?
Phrases like "I have hope" or "There's always hope" express optimism without direct uncertainty.
Can businesses have expectations?
Yes, businesses can expect certain results based on data and projections.
Is "hope" always about the future?
Generally, but it can also reflect a current state of optimism or desire.
Can "expect" be used about past events?
Yes, in contexts like "As expected, the event was a success," referencing past anticipations.
Can "hope" indicate a lack of confidence?
Not necessarily. It indicates a desire without certainty but not necessarily a lack of confidence.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
