The difference between Expect and Wish

When used as verbs, expect means to look for (mentally), whereas wish means to desire.


Wish is also noun with the meaning: a desire, hope, or longing for something or for something to happen.

check bellow for the other definitions of Expect and Wish

  1. Expect as a verb:

    To look for (mentally); to look forward to, as to something that is believed to be about to happen or come; to have a previous apprehension of, whether of good or evil; to look for with some confidence; to anticipate; -- often followed by an infinitive, sometimes by a clause (with, or without, that).

    Examples:

    "I expect to receive wages.  I expect that the troops will be defeated."

  2. Expect as a verb:

    To consider obligatory or required.

  3. Expect as a verb:

    To consider reasonably due.

    Examples:

    "You are expected to get the task done by the end of next week."

  4. Expect as a verb (continuous aspect only, of a woman or couple):

    To be pregnant, to consider a baby due.

  5. Expect as a verb (obsolete, transitive):

    To wait for; to await.

  6. Expect as a verb (obsolete, intransitive):

    To wait; to stay.

    Examples:

    "rfquotek Sandys"

  1. Wish as a noun:

    A desire, hope, or longing for something or for something to happen.

  2. Wish as a noun:

    An expression of such a desire, often connected with ideas of magic and supernatural power.

  3. Wish as a noun:

    The thing desired or longed for.

    Examples:

    "My dearest wish is to see them happily married."

  4. Wish as a noun (Sussex):

    A water meadow.

  1. Wish as a verb (transitive):

    To desire; to want.

    Examples:

    "I'll come tomorrow, if you wish it."

  2. Wish as a verb (intransitive, followed by ''for''):

    To hope (for a particular outcome).

  3. Wish as a verb (ditransitive):

    To bestow (a thought or gesture) towards (someone or something).

    Examples:

    "We wish you a Merry Christmas."

  4. Wish as a verb (intransitive, followed by ''to'' and an infinitive):

    To request or desire to do an activity.

  5. Wish as a verb (transitive):

    To recommend; to seek confidence or favour on behalf of.