'expectantly' originates from the Latin word 'expectare,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'spectare' meant 'to look at.'

'expectare' transformed into the Old French word 'expecter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'expect' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to look out for something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'anticipating or waiting eagerly.'