Hope vs. Expectation — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 15, 2024
Hope is an optimistic desire for a specific outcome, often without a basis in evidence; expectation involves a belief that something will occur, usually based on evidence or experience.
Difference Between Hope and Expectation
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Key Differences
Hope typically involves a personal desire for a future outcome, deeply rooted in optimism and positivity, often without substantial evidence to support the likelihood of the outcome. On the other hand, expectation is more grounded in reasoning or past experiences that lead a person to believe that a certain event will likely occur.
People often hope for things they wish to happen, even against great odds, reflecting their aspirations and dreams. Whereas expectations are formed based on what is considered likely to happen, influenced by previous patterns or established norms.
Hope does not require probability or previous outcomes to be felt; it is an emotional state more than a calculated position. In contrast, expectation is usually built upon a foundation of specific evidence or probability, making it more predictive in nature.
The emotional impact of hope can be uplifting, providing a psychological boost even in dire situations. However, expectation carries a predictive weight, which can lead to disappointment if the anticipated outcomes do not materialize.
Hope is often associated with situations of uncertainty where the desired outcome is out of one's control, serving as a coping mechanism. Expectations, however, often dictate how one prepares for future events, impacting decisions and actions based on anticipated outcomes.
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Comparison Chart
Basis
Desire without evidence
Belief based on evidence
Nature
Emotional and aspirational
Rational and predictive
Dependency on Past
Not dependent on past outcomes
Often based on past experiences or patterns
Emotional Impact
Generally positive and uplifting
Can be neutral or lead to disappointment
Role in Decision Making
Less direct, more motivational
Direct, influences preparations and actions
Compare with Definitions
Hope
A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
She clung to the hope that her missing cat would return.
Expectation
Anticipating with some confidence of fulfillment.
They waited in expectation of her arrival.
Hope
To cherish a desire with anticipation.
They hope to buy a bigger house soon.
Expectation
A belief that someone will or should achieve something.
His parents had high expectations for him.
Hope
Grounds for believing that something good may happen.
He told stories that gave us hope.
Expectation
A strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.
Her expectation that she would win the award was met.
Hope
To trust or to wish.
We hope you can join us for dinner.
Expectation
Considering probable or certain.
Expectation of a raise kept him motivated.
Hope
A person or thing that may help or save someone.
The new treatment was their last hope.
Expectation
The act or state of expecting.
The expectation of an enjoyable evening increased as the time approached.
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.
Expectation
The act of expecting.
Hope
To wish for a particular event that one considers possible
We are hoping for more financial support.
Expectation
Eager anticipation
Eyes shining with expectation.
Hope
(Archaic) To have confidence; trust.
Expectation
The state of being expected.
Hope
To desire and consider possible
I hope that you will join us for dinner. We hope to buy a house in the spring.
Expectation
Something expected
A result that did not live up to expectations.
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.
Expectation
Expectations Prospects, especially of success or gain.
Hope
An instance of such longing or desire
Her hopes of becoming a doctor have not changed.
Expectation
The expected value of a random variable.
Hope
A source of or reason for such longing or desire
Good pitching is the team's only hope for victory.
Expectation
The mean of a random variable.
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.
Expectation
The act or state of expecting or looking forward to an event as about to happen.
Hope
(Archaic) Trust; confidence.
Expectation
That which is expected or looked for.
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.
Expectation
The prospect of the future; grounds upon which something excellent is expected to occur; prospect of anything good to come, especially of property or rank.
Hope
To be optimistic; be full of hope; have hopes.
Expectation
The value of any chance (as the prospect of prize or property) which depends upon some contingent event.
Hope
(intransitive) To place confidence; to trust with confident expectation of good; usually followed by in.
Expectation
(statistics) The first moment; the long-run average value of a variable over many independent repetitions of an experiment.
Hope
To wish.
Expectation
(colloquial statistics) The arithmetic mean.
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.
Expectation
The leaving of a disease principally to the efforts of nature to effect a cure.
Hope
(countable) The actual thing wished for.
Expectation
The act or state of expecting or looking forward to an event as about to happen.
My soul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from him.
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.
Expectation
That which is expected or looked for.
Why our great expectation should be calledThe seed of woman.
Hope
The virtuous desire for future good.
Expectation
The prospect of the future; grounds upon which something excellent is expected to happen; prospect of anything good to come, esp. of property or rank.
His magnificent expectations made him, in the opinion of the world, the best match in Europe.
By all men's eyes a youth of expectation.
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.
Expectation
The value of any chance (as the prospect of prize or property) which depends upon some contingent event. Expectations are computed for or against the occurrence of the event.
Hope
A sloping plain between mountain ridges.
Expectation
The leaving of the disease principally to the efforts of nature to effect a cure.
Hope
(Scotland) A small bay; an inlet; a haven.
Expectation
Belief about (or mental picture of) the future
Hope
A sloping plain between mountain ridges.
Expectation
Wishing with confidence of fulfillment
Hope
A small bay; an inlet; a haven.
Expectation
The feeling that something is about to happen
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.
Expectation
The sum of the values of a random variable divided by the number of values
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.
Hope
That which is hoped for; an object of hope.
Lavina is thine elder brother's hope.
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.
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.
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
Common Curiosities
What is the essence of hope?
Hope is fundamentally an optimistic state of mind that is based on the desire for a positive outcome.
What happens when expectations are not met?
Unmet expectations can lead to disappointment, frustration, or reassessment of the situation.
How are hope and expectation used in psychological coping?
Hope is used to foster resilience and maintain a positive outlook in uncertain times, whereas expectation helps in planning and readiness for future outcomes.
How do hope and expectation affect mental health?
Hope generally has a positive effect on mental health by inspiring individuals and encouraging a sense of possibility. Expectations, when realistic, can lead to satisfaction; however, unrealistic expectations may contribute to stress or disappointment.
Can expectations change over time?
Yes, expectations can change based on new information, experiences, or changes in circumstances, reflecting our ability to adapt to evolving realities.
How does expectation influence behavior?
Expectation can significantly influence behavior as it often dictates how people prepare and act in anticipation of what they believe will occur.
What are the risks of having high expectations?
High expectations can lead to greater disappointment and pressure if not met, potentially affecting one's self-esteem and satisfaction.
What are some examples where hope significantly impacts outcomes?
In health-related contexts, such as recovery from illness, hope can significantly impact outcomes by encouraging patients to adhere to treatment plans and maintain a positive mindset.
Can hope be unrealistic?
Yes, hope can sometimes be based on wishes rather than realistic assessments, making it potentially unrealistic.
What role do psychologists assign to hope and expectation in therapy?
Psychologists often encourage cultivating hope to enhance personal wellbeing and use realistic expectations as a tool for setting achievable goals in therapy.
How can one manage unrealistic hopes or expectations?
Managing unrealistic hopes or expectations involves adjusting them to be more aligned with reality, through self-reflection, seeking feedback, and considering probable outcomes.
Is it better to have hope or expectations?
Whether it's better to have hope or expectations depends on the situation. Hope can provide comfort in uncertain times, while expectations can guide practical preparations and actions based on likely outcomes.
Why is hope considered powerful in difficult situations?
Hope is considered powerful in difficult situations because it helps individuals maintain a positive outlook, which can be crucial for emotional resilience and motivation despite challenges.
How do cultural differences impact hope and expectations?
Cultural backgrounds can significantly shape how individuals express and experience hope and expectations, influencing what people anticipate from life and how they perceive their chances of success.
How do hope and expectation play into goal setting?
Hope can inspire setting ambitious goals, while expectations help define more specific, measurable objectives that are realistically achievable.
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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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
