anticipate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
anticipate Word Meanings
- to expect or look forward to something
- to foresee an event or outcome
- to act before something happens
anticipate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
- I anticipate a good time at the party.
- She anticipates her birthday with excitement.
- We anticipate the rain this week.
- They anticipate a fast delivery.
- He anticipates a call from his friend.
anticipate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ænˈtɪs.ɪ.peɪt/
US
/ænˈtɪs.ɪ.peɪt/
anticipate Word Etymology
ante- = before, cipare = to seize/take. Historical origin: Latin → Old French → English. Memory image: Imagine someone reaching out with anticipation to grab a prize before it lands.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I sit with my hands hovering over the keys and push to move the cursor along the page. A breath of waiting settles in as the screen lights up, and I anticipate what will come next. I shift my weight, adjust my posture, and keep my eyes on the edge of possibility. When the moment arrives, I act a beat early, letting what could happen guide my response.
Real Context
Anticipate means more than simply waiting for something to happen; it implies active mental preparation. You anticipate a future event by predicting how it will unfold and getting ready for it. In everyday use, people anticipate good news, trouble, or consequences, and they may act in advance to influence the outcome. It can also express a sense of eager expectation for a pleasant future, as when you anticipate a vacation, a deadline, or a surprise. The verb often collocates with nouns like outcome, problem, or reaction, and it appears in formal writing about planning and risk.
Usage Reminders
- Think of anticipation as active preparation.
- Use anticipate for events you can influence.
- Contrast with expect to note the planning aspect.
- Pair anticipate with outcomes, problems, or reactions.
- In formal writing, it signals foresight and readiness.
Common Misconceptions
- Anticipate = simply hope for something to happen.
- Anticipate is only used for negative events.
- You must take action every time you anticipate something.
- Anticipate is more casual than expect.
- Anticipate can replace wait in all contexts.
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, anticipate often emphasizes proactive preparation and prediction about outcomes, not just waiting. Learners may overuse it with passive scenarios or confuse it with 'expect' or 'hope'.
Learning Tips
- Practice with future tense sentences using anticipate.
- Compare anticipate with expect and await to notice nuance.
- Use collocations like anticipate the outcome, anticipate a problem.
- Create short planning scenarios to test active preparation.
- Read formal paragraphs about planning and risk.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'anticipate'?
A.Jump
B.Expect
C.Eat
D.Laugh
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'anticipate' correctly?
A.I anticipate the blue chair.
B.I anticipate the dog in the sky.
C.I anticipate my breakfast every day.
D.I anticipate the fast computer.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'anticipate'?
A.Sleep
B.Consider
C.Walk
D.See
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'anticipate'?
A.Sing
B.Forget
C.Buy
D.Read
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'anticipate'?
A.I go to the park every day.
B.I look forward to receiving my exam results.
C.I watch movies at night.
D.I play video games with my friends.
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