exspecto

Exspecto is a Latin verb of the first conjugation meaning to wait for, to await, or to anticipate. In classical usage it typically expresses waiting for a person or thing or anticipating an event.

Etymology and related forms: Exspecto is formed from ex- (out, forth) and specto (to look at), giving the sense of looking out for something. It is closely related to other forms built from spectare, and it is distinct from expecto or expectare, which convey the sense of expecting in a more general or future-oriented way.

Usage and examples: Exspecto governs a direct object in the accusative when naming what is awaited, for example exspecto te (I wait for you) or exspecto adventum (I await his arrival). It can also be used with phrases like exspectare diem to anticipate or look forward to a day or event. The verb is common in classical Latin, appearing in narrative and rhetorical contexts to express delay, anticipation, or expectation.

Conjugation and forms: Exspecto belongs to the first conjugation. Present active: exspecto, exspectas, exspectat, exspectamus, exspectatis, exspectant. Imperfect: exspectabam, exspectabas, exspectabat, exspectabamus, exspectabatis, exspectabant. Future: exspectabo, exspectabis, exspectabit, exspectabimus, exspectabitis, exspectabunt. Perfect: exspectavi, exspectavisti, exspectavit, exspectavimus, exspectavistis, exspectaverunt. Passive present: exspector, exspectaris, exspectatur, exspectamur, exspectamini, exspectantur. Imperative: exspecta, exspectate. Infinitive: exspectare. Participles include exspectatus and exspectans.

See also: The verb contrasts with expecto/expectare, which express a more general sense of expecting rather than awaiting in a concrete sense.