How to pronounce expectation
Say it like ek-spek-TAY-shun. Expectation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TAY).
- ek
- spek
- TAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Expectation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ekGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- spekKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- TAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of expectation
American and British speakers say expectation in essentially the same way: /ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: ek-spek-TAY-shun.
What does expectation mean?
- The act or state of expecting or looking forward to an event as about to happen.
- That which is expected or looked for.
- An implicit obligation or duty held by another in someone's view.“He struggled with his parents' expectations.”
Where does expectation come from?
From Middle French expectation, from Latin exspectātiō, from exspectō (“expect”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- outlook
- prospect
- anticipation
- arithmetic mean
- first moment
- expected value
Words that rhyme with expectation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of expectation.
Questions about saying expectation
How do you pronounce expectation?
Say ek-spek-TAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in expectation?
Expectation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TAY). Broken into parts: ek · spek · TAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say expectation the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.