expectative
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to expectation.
-
characterized by expectation.
Etymology
Origin of expectative
From the Medieval Latin word expectātīvus, dating back to 1480–90. See expectation, -ive
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I think I have clearly stated my reasons for this passive, or, if you prefer it, this expectative mode of action.
From Letters of Franz Liszt -- Volume 2 from Rome to the End by Bache, Constance
The value of everything that lasts for more than a moment is built in part upon incomes that are not actual, but expectative, whose amount, therefore, is a matter of guesswork, or "speculation."
From Modern Economic Problems Economics Volume II by Fetter, Frank Albert
They went to Stuttgart, where the W�rtemberg Government kept up a sort of expectative neutrality.
From Revolution and Counter-Revolution or, Germany in 1848 by Marx, Karl
Even expectative graces, or mandates nominating a person to succeed to a benefice upon the first vacancy, were thus sold.
From Luther and the Reformation: The Life-Springs of Our Liberties by Seiss, Joseph A.
"We are preserving," they say, "a dignified expectative attitude."
From Diary of the Besieged Resident in Paris by Labouchere, Henry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.