expectations

[ɪkˌspɛkˈteɪʃənz]
nounfemininepl: expectations
expectativas
1. a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future
The team had high expectations for the new season.
O time tinha grandes expectativas para a nova temporada.
2. a belief about what is likely to happen or be required
Parents have certain expectations of their children.
Os pais têm certas expectativas em relação aos filhos.
3. the state of looking forward to or anticipating something
The announcement was made in anticipation and expectation.
O anúncio foi feito com antecipação e expectativa.
In Brazilian business and professional contexts, 'expectativas' is heavily used when discussing goals, forecasts, and performance metrics. Americans often use 'expectations' in discussions about social norms and personal standards, while Brazilians use 'expectativas' more formally and 'esperanças' (hopes) more colloquially. The word reflects cultural differences in how future-oriented planning is discussed.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
hopesanticipationsprospectspredictionsassumptions
Antonyms / Antônimos
doubtsuncertaintiessurprises

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
expectativas
most common and standard usage
Rio de Janeiro
expectativas
standard usage, occasionally 'esperanças'
São Paulo
expectativas
formal and business contexts, very common
Portugal
expectativas
also used, though 'esperança' may be preferred in casual speech

Related Words

expectexpectancyexpectedanticipateprospect

Related Idioms & Phrases

exceed expectations
fall short of expectations
set expectations
manage expectations
raise expectations
have high/low expectations
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