How to pronounce expect
Say it like ik-SPEKT. Expect has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEKT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce expect. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ik
- SPEKT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Expect pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SPEKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of expect
American and British speakers say expect in essentially the same way: /ɪkˈspɛkt/ in the US and /ɪkˈspɛkt/ in the UK.
British respelling: ik-SPEKT.
What does expect mean?
- regard something as probable or likely“The meteorologists are expecting rain for tomorrow”
- consider obligatory; request and expect“We require our secretary to be on time”“Aren't we asking too much of these children?”
- look forward to the probable occurrence of“We were expecting a visit from our relatives”“She is looking to a promotion”
Where does expect come from?
From Latin expectāre, infinitive form of exspectō (“look out for, await, expect”), from ex (“out”) + spectō (“look at”), frequentative of speciō (“see”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with expect
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of expect.
Questions about saying expect
How do you pronounce expect?
Say ik-SPEKT. The American pronunciation is /ɪkˈspɛkt/. In British English it is /ɪkˈspɛkt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in expect?
Expect has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEKT). Broken into parts: ik · SPEKT.
Do Americans and Brits say expect the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪkˈspɛkt/ and the British form is /ɪkˈspɛkt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.