anticipate

en
en
Change language
Translating...
Find language
العربية الفصحى
Arabic (Standard)
Español
Spanish
हिन्दी
Hindi
日本語
Japanese
Português
Portuguese
/ænˈtɪsəˌpeɪt/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
To expect something, or to prepare for it before it happens.
Practice using anticipate in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Can we anticipate the problem with a backup plan?
  • Do you anticipate any objections?
  • We anticipate heavy traffic on Friday.
  • Analysts anticipate that sales will recover.
  • The driver anticipated the bend and slowed down.

Similar words

foresee
predict
act ahead of
expect
forestall
prepare for

Meanings

Expect a future event

verb
prediction
neutral
To regard something as likely to happen.

Examples

  • We anticipate heavy traffic on Friday.
  • The team anticipated a rise in costs.
  • Do you anticipate any objections?
  • Nobody anticipated how quickly demand would grow.
  • Analysts anticipate that sales will recover.

Similar words

expect
foresee
predict

Act before an expected event

verb
preparation
neutral
To act or prepare before an expected event or need occurs.

Examples

  • The school anticipated the storm by closing early.
  • She anticipated the question and brought the figures.
  • Can we anticipate the problem with a backup plan?
  • The driver anticipated the bend and slowed down.
  • They anticipated shortages by ordering extra supplies.

Similar words

prepare for
forestall
act ahead of

Etymology

From Latin anticipare, to take beforehand, through French. Expecting a future event and acting ahead of it are related uses.

FAQ

What does anticipate mean?

It can mean expect something or act before it happens.

Does anticipate always imply excitement?

No. One can anticipate a problem as well as a pleasure.

Can you anticipate a question?

Yes. You can expect it and prepare an answer in advance.

Is anticipate the same as expect?

They overlap in prediction, but anticipate can also involve action beforehand.

Where does anticipate come from?

Its Latin root meant taking something beforehand.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...