Expectancy

/ɪkˈspɛktənsi/ noun

Definition

A strong belief or hope that something will happen; the statistical likelihood of something occurring (like life expectancy).

Etymology

From Latin 'expectancia,' derived from 'expectare' meaning to wait for or look out for. The word entered English in the 1600s with meanings of waiting and anticipation.

Kelly Says

Life expectancy has doubled in just 150 years—in 1870 it was about 40 years, now it's over 70—which means the word 'expectancy' itself describes one of humanity's biggest achievements!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Life expectancy data historically obscured women's longevity advantage through male-centered reporting; 'life expectancy' for women has been undervalued in healthcare resource allocation.

Inclusive Usage

When analyzing expectancy data, disaggregate by gender and acknowledge differential resources based on gendered assumptions about lifespan needs.

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