Definition Dictionary

Worried that something unpleasant may happen.

One word family: also includes apprehension.

Boldly willing to take risks or challenge expectations.

To act in accordance with a rule, standard, or accepted pattern.

One word family: also includes conformity.

To puzzle, bewilder, or defeat expectations.

Contrary to what intuition or ordinary expectation suggests.

Expressing a meaning different from the literal words, or involving a striking contrast with expectation.

A contrast between appearance and reality or expectation and outcome; in speech, meaning different from the literal words.

Required by a rule, duty, or established expectation.

Seeming contradictory or contrary to expectation, sometimes while expressing a valid insight.

To go beyond an ordinary boundary, limit, or expectation.

Departing from customary practices or accepted expectations.