expect, guess, material

料 is composed of 米 (rice) and 斗 (dipper). 斗 depicts a long-handled ladle used for scooping wine. Therefore, 料 conveys the idea of measuring rice with a ladle. Its original meaning is to weigh or measure, and later it extended to mean estimate or guess. Scooping rice with a ladle suggests the intention to cook and eat it, so 料 also means materials or things available for making or using.