Anticipated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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anticipated

[ænˈtɪsɪˌpeɪtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a sentence

Regarded as probable, likely, or expected.

Synonyms

expected, foreseen, predicted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
anticipated

Use this word when referring to something that has been eagerly awaited or looked forward to.

  • The concert is highly anticipated by fans
  • She anticipated the holiday for months
expected

This word is used for things that are believed to happen because of prior knowledge or awareness.

  • The results of the test were expected to be positive
  • It is expected to rain tomorrow
predicted

Generally used for things that have been stated or guessed about the future based on data or trends.

  • The weather forecast predicted heavy snowfall
  • Analysts predicted a rise in stock prices
foreseen

Utilized when something has been known or predicted beforehand due to logical reasoning or natural ability.

  • The economic crisis was foreseen by many experts
  • His success in the competition was foreseen

Examples of usage

  • Her anticipated arrival was met with great excitement.
  • We are eagerly awaiting the anticipated results of the experiment.
Context #2 | Verb

in a sentence

Regard as probable, likely, or expected.

Synonyms

expect, foresee, predict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
anticipated

Used when referring to something that was both expected and hoped for, often with a positive connotation.

  • The launch of the new product was highly anticipated
  • They anticipated a great turnout at the event
foresee

Used when talking about predicting or being aware of something before it happens, often with an emphasis on insight or intuition.

  • She could foresee the challenges they would face
  • He foresaw the financial crisis long before it occurred
predict

Used when making a specific assertion about what will happen in the future, often based on data or trends.

  • The weather forecast predicts rain for tomorrow
  • Economists predict a rise in inflation next year

Examples of usage

  • He anticipated that his proposal would be accepted.
  • The company anticipated a decrease in sales during the holiday season.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Anticipation can create a feeling of excitement or anxiety, as it involves predicting future events.
  • Studies show that humans often find the anticipation of an event more pleasurable than the event itself because of how our brains process dopamine.

Literature

  • Many authors use foreshadowing, a literary device, to build anticipation in readers about future plot twists.
  • Anticipation in storytelling can deepen emotional engagement, creating suspense that keeps readers turning pages.

Pop Culture

  • The anticipation surrounding movie releases can lead to massive marketing campaigns that generate excitement among fans.
  • In video games, anticipation is often built through teasers and trailers that provide glimpses of what's to come.

Science

  • In behavioral science, anticipation is studied as a part of how organisms react to rewards and punishments.
  • Anticipation can influence physiological responses, such as increased heart rate or sweating, based on what is expected to happen.

Origin of 'anticipated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'anticipare,' meaning 'to take before' or 'to seize beforehand.'
  • In English, it first appeared around the late 15th century, focusing initially on the idea of taking action before something happens.

The word 'anticipated' originates from the Latin word 'anticipatus', which is the past participle of 'anticipare', meaning 'to take beforehand' or 'to foresee'. The concept of anticipation has long been associated with predicting or expecting future events, and the word has evolved to encompass the idea of looking forward to something with excitement or expectation.


See also: anticipatable, anticipate, anticipating, anticipatingly, anticipation, anticipatory, unanticipated.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,514, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.