Anticipate: meaning, definitions and examples

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anticipate

[anˈtɪs.ɪ.peɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in business

Regard as probable; expect or predict. To anticipate an increase in demand.

Synonyms

expect, foresee, foretell, predict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
anticipate	Used when thinking about something in the future with excitement or anxiety, often implying some level of preparation. They anticipate a lot of new challenges in the upcoming project. She couldn't anticipate how difficult the task would be.
expect	Commonly used in everyday scenarios when you believe something will happen, often based on information or a general sense of likelihood. I expect the package to arrive tomorrow. We didn't expect such a large turnout at the event.
foresee	Implies a higher level of certainty and a slightly formal tone, often used when predicting something based on current evidence or patterns. He can foresee a lot of opportunities for growth in the market. They didn't foresee the consequences of their actions.
predict	Used when making a specific statement about the future based on data or certain trends, often seen in scientific or analytical contexts. The weather forecast predicts rain for tomorrow. Economists predict a recession next year.
foretell	Mostly used in a mystic or literary context, often related to predicting the future through supernatural means. The ancient oracle foretold the king's downfall. No one can foretell the future with absolute certainty.

Examples of usage

Employers are having difficulty anticipating the needs of the labor market.
The company is anticipating a rise in profits next quarter.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in personal life

Regard as likely to happen; expect. To anticipate a positive outcome.

Synonyms

expect, foresee, foretell, predict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
anticipate	Used when you are waiting for something to happen and are excited or prepared for it. The audience eagerly anticipated the concert We anticipate a good turnout at the event
expect	Used when you believe something will happen, often with confidence or based on certain information. I expect she will arrive on time We expect the weather to improve tomorrow
foresee	Used when you can imagine or predict that something will happen, often based on information or patterns. He could foresee the challenges they would face It’s hard to foresee any major changes in the next year
predict	Used when making a logical guess about the future based on data or evidence, common in scientific or analytical contexts. Scientists predict an increase in global temperatures Economists predict a steady growth in the economy
foretell	Used when predicting something in a mystical or supernatural way, often found in literature or when discussing prophecies. The oracle foretold the coming of a great king Legends foretell that a hero will save the kingdom

Examples of usage

She anticipated a warm welcome from her family.
I didn't anticipate the difficulties we would encounter.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

in time

Act as a forerunner or precursor of. To anticipate the future trends.

Synonyms

foreshadow, predict, prefigure, presage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
anticipate	Use when you are expecting something to happen and often preparing for it. Common in everyday conversation and formal writing. She anticipated the meeting by preparing all the necessary documents We anticipated a lot of traffic, so we left early
predict	Use when you are making a specific statement about what will happen in the future, often based on data, trends, or intuition. Common in scientific, statistical, and everyday contexts. Scientists can predict earthquakes by studying geological data She predicted that the team would win the championship
foreshadow	Use in literature or storytelling to hint at events that will happen later in the plot. It adds depth to the narrative and builds suspense. The dark clouds foreshadowed a storm that would change everyone's lives The eerie music in the film foreshadowed the upcoming confrontation
presage	Use in formal writing or speech to indicate that something is a sign or warning of a future event, often with a somewhat ominous or serious tone. The sudden drop in temperature presaged an unusually harsh winter The strange behavior of the animals presaged the coming earthquake
prefigure	Use in more formal or academic contexts to indicate that something serves as an early indicator or example of something that will happen later. The artist's early works prefigure his later masterpieces These social changes prefigured the political revolution

Examples of usage

The novel anticipated many of the developments in modern psychology.
Her work anticipated the theories of Einstein.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originated from the Latin 'anticipare,' meaning 'to take before.'
The prefix 'anti-' means 'before,' and '-cipate' derives from 'capere,' meaning 'to seize.'
Over generations, the word evolved in the English language from the 1500s, maintaining its core meaning of foresight.

Psychology

Anticipation can trigger a release of dopamine, the 'feel-good' hormone, in our brains—making us excited for future events.
Studies show that anticipating positive experiences can increase happiness more than the experiences themselves.
Anticipation is linked to planning and decision-making, often improving outcomes by allowing us to prepare for future situations.

Literature

Writers often use anticipation as a narrative device to build suspense, keeping readers engaged by hinting at future events.
Classic novels like 'Moby Dick' utilize anticipation by foreshadowing the clash between Captain Ahab and the white whale throughout the story.
Shakespeare frequently employed anticipation in his plays, masterfully weaving hints of dramatic turns that captivate audiences.

Pop Culture

In films, trailers often build anticipation by showcasing exciting scenes, making audiences eager for the movie release.
The hype surrounding new technology releases, such as smartphones or game consoles, exemplifies how anticipation drives consumer excitement.
Anticipation played a crucial role in the global phenomenon of 'Harry Potter,' with fans eagerly awaiting each book and film release.

Science

Anticipation can be studied in animal behavior, where creatures predict seasonal changes to adjust their survival strategies.
In cognitive science, researchers explore how the brain processes expectations to help shape reality through neural networks.
The phenomenon of temporal perception shows how the brain estimates time lapses, altering our reaction based on anticipated outcomes.

Translations

Translations of the word "anticipate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 antecipar

🇮🇳 पूर्वानुमान करना

🇩🇪 erwarten

🇮🇩 mengantisipasi

🇺🇦 очікувати

🇵🇱 oczekiwać

🇯🇵 予期する (よきする)

🇫🇷 anticiper

🇪🇸 anticipar

🇹🇷 beklemek

🇰🇷 예상하다

🇸🇦 يترقب

🇨🇿 očekávat

🇸🇰 očakávať

🇨🇳 预料 (yùliào)

🇸🇮 pričakovati

🇮🇸 vænta

🇰🇿 күту

🇬🇪 მოლოდინი

🇦🇿 gözləmək

🇲🇽 anticipar

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,705 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6702 deserted
6703 forum
6704 reimbursement
6705 anticipate
6706 oppression
6707 slower
6708 prosperous
...