兩者均含有“等”之意，但是有區別：wait for (等候)通常指在一個地方呆著，不采取任何行動，一直等到某事發生，它主要強調時間的流逝且含有耽誤之意，有時暗示某人來得太晚或某事發生得太遲等；而 expect(期待，預料)則指某事(可指好或不好的事)很可能會發生或到來，不強調時間的遲早，只說明一種心情。比較：

他在校門口等他母親。

誤：He was expecting his mother at the school gate.

正：He was waiting for his mother at the school gate.

我們在等喬治的來信。

誤：We are waiting for a letter from George.

正：We are expecting [looking forward to] a letter from Goerge.

那么我 10 點整等你。

誤：Then I’ll wait for you at exactly ten o’clock.

正：Then I’ll expect you at exactly ten o’clock.

◆摘自《中學英語高頻詞詳解詞典》◆

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