aspectant
|a-spec-tant|
/əˈspɛktənt/
looking toward; awaiting
Etymology
'aspectant' originates from Latin, specifically the present-participle form 'aspectans', where 'ad-/as-' meant 'toward' and 'specere' (or root 'spec-') meant 'to look'.
'aspectant' passed into Old French and Middle English in forms reflecting the Latin participle (e.g. Old French/Medieval Latin influence 'aspectant'/'aspectans') and survived in English as a rare or archaic adjective and noun.
Initially, it meant 'looking toward' or 'regarding' in a literal sense; over time its use narrowed and it came to be used more figuratively as 'expectant' or simply became rare/archaic in modern English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
one who watches or awaits; an onlooker or observer (rare, archaic).
Several aspectants lined the quay, waiting for the fishermen's return.
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Adjective 1
attentively looking toward or observing; expectant (rare, archaic).
The crowd stood aspectant at the gate as the carriage approached.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/30 12:02