Expected vs. Supposed — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Expected and Supposed
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Compare with Definitions
Expected
To look forward to the probable occurrence or appearance of
Expecting a phone call.
Expects rain on Sunday.
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
Generally assumed or believed to be the case, but not necessarily so
People admire their supposed industriousness
Sep 25, 2022
Expected
To consider likely or certain
Expect to see them soon. See Usage Note at anticipate.
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
(also sə-pōzĭd) Presumed to be true or real without conclusive evidence
A supposed spy.
The supposed decline of culture.
Sep 25, 2022
Expected
To consider reasonable or due
We expect an apology.
Sep 25, 2022
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Supposed
(also sə-pōst) Intended
Medication that is supposed to relieve pain.
Sep 25, 2022
Expected
To consider obligatory; require
The school expects its pupils to be on time.
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
Required
He is supposed to go to the store.
Sep 25, 2022
Expected
(Informal) To presume; suppose.
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
Permitted
We are not supposed to smoke here.
Sep 25, 2022
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Expected
To be pregnant. Used in progressive tenses
My wife is expecting again.
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
Firmly believed; expected
You're supposed to be my friend.
Sep 25, 2022
Expected
Anticipated; thought to be about to arrive or occur
The expected storm never arrived.
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
Simple past tense and past participle of suppose
Sep 25, 2022
Expected
Simple past tense and past participle of expect
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
Presumed to be true, but without proof
Muhammad is the supposed messenger of God.
Sep 25, 2022
Expected
Considered likely or probable to happen or arrive;
Prepared for the expected attack
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
(with infinitive) Generally considered or expected.
The movie is supposed to be good.
Sep 25, 2022
Expected
Looked forward to as probable
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
(with infinitive) Having an obligation.
You are not supposed to smoke in the restaurant. [Note: this means, you are obliged not to smoke.]
The phone is supposed to come with a manual.
Sep 25, 2022
Expected
Expected to become or be; in prospect;
Potential clients
Expected income
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
(with infinitive) Intended.
The phone is supposed to save us time.
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
Firmly believed;
The way things are supposed to be
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
Mistakenly believed;
The supposed existence of ghosts
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
Commonly put forth or accepted as true on inconclusive grounds;
The foundling's putative father
The reputed (or purported) author of the book
The supposed date of birth
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
Designed to;
Medication that is supposed to relieve pain
What's that gadget supposed to do?
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
Doubtful or suspect;
These so-called experts are no help
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
Required or under orders;
I'm supposed to be there at ten
He was supposed to go to the store
Sep 25, 2022
Supposed
Based primarily on surmise rather than adequate evidence;
Theories about the extinction of dinosaurs are still highly conjectural
The supposed reason for his absence
Suppositious reconstructions of dead languages
Supposititious hypotheses
Sep 25, 2022
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