Meaning & use
anticipate
Last updated
Meanings
verbtransitive
To think that something will happen and get ready for it before it does.
Grammar: Takes an object or an -ing clause: anticipate problems, anticipate needing help.
Patterns
- anticipate something
- anticipate doing something
- anticipate that something will happen
The shop owner anticipated a rush of customers and hired two extra cashiers.
We did not anticipate how expensive the repairs would be.
Engineers anticipate that demand for electricity will double by 2040.
verbtransitiveformal
To look forward to something, often with pleasure or nervous excitement.
Grammar: Takes an object: she anticipated the reunion; it is less common than look forward to in everyday talk.
Patterns
- anticipate something
The children eagerly anticipated the arrival of the circus.
He anticipated the interview with a mixture of hope and dread.
verbtransitive
To do or deal with something before someone else can, by guessing what they will need or do next.
Grammar: The object is usually a person's move or need: anticipate her question.
Patterns
- anticipate someone's needs
- anticipate a move
A good waiter anticipates what guests will ask for.
The goalkeeper anticipated the shot and dived early.
She anticipated his objection and answered it before he spoke.
Word forms
| third person singular | anticipates |
|---|---|
| past tense | anticipated |
| past participle | anticipated |
| -ing form | anticipating |
Common combinations
- anticipate problems
- Good planners anticipate problems before they grow.
- anticipate a need
- The software anticipates your needs by suggesting the next step.
- widely anticipated
- The widely anticipated sequel opens on Friday.
- anticipate with pleasure
- We anticipate with pleasure your visit next month.
- fail to anticipate
- The committee failed to anticipate the public reaction.
Synonyms and how they differ
- expect
- Expect is the plain everyday word for thinking something will happen, while anticipate suggests you are also preparing or acting in advance.
- foresee
- Foresee stresses seeing a future event clearly in your mind, often a problem, rather than preparing for it.
- predict
- Predict means to state publicly what will happen, whereas anticipate is about your own readiness.
- look forward to
- Look forward to is informal and always positive, while anticipate can be neutral or even worried.
Opposites
Word family
- anticipation noun
- the act of expecting something, or the excitement felt while waiting for it
- anticipatory adjective
- done or felt in advance of something
- unanticipated adjective
- not expected or planned for
- anticipated adjective
- expected, often with interest
Commonly confused: anticipate or participate?
anticipate vs participate
Participate means to take part in something, and it sounds similar, but it has nothing to do with expecting or preparing for the future.
Practice
The airline did not ___ the storm, so hundreds of passengers were left without hotel rooms.
Choose one answer.
Anticipate is the verb meaning to expect and prepare for something; anticipation is a noun and cannot follow did not, and participate means to take part.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “anticipate”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.