Anticipate

Definition

Anticipate means to expect or foresee something before it happens. It can also imply taking action in preparation for a future event or preventing something by dealing with it in advance.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American and British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt/
• Respelling: an-TIS-uh-payt

Etymology

The word "anticipate" originates from the Latin "anticipatus," the past participle of "anticipare," which means "to take before" or "to forestall." This term combines "ante-" (before) and "capere" (to take). It entered the English language in the 16th century, carrying meanings related to expecting or dealing with something in advance.

Derivatives

• Anticipation (noun)
• Anticipatory (adjective)
• Anticipated (adjective)
• Unanticipated (adjective)
• Anticipatively (adverb)

Synonyms

• Expect
• Foresee
• Predict

Antonyms

• Doubt
• Ignore
• Disregard

Usage

The verb "anticipate" is used to indicate that someone expects or prepares for an event or outcome. For example, "They anticipated the arrival of guests and prepared extra seating." It is often used in contexts where one acts in advance of an event, as in "The company anticipated changes in the market and adapted its strategy accordingly."

Related Terms

• Expectation: The act of looking forward to something as likely to happen.
• Preparation: The act of making ready for a future event.
• Prediction: A forecast or declaration about a future event.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To expect or foresee something before it happens: Implies that someone looks forward to or predicts an event.
  • Example: "She anticipated a positive response from the audience."
• To take action in preparation for something: Refers to acting in advance to be ready for an upcoming event.
  • Example: "The organization anticipated an increase in demand and expanded its resources."
• To prevent something by acting in advance: Implies forestalling or averting a situation by preparing beforehand.
  • Example: "By diversifying investments, they anticipated potential losses."