WordGarden.ioanticipation
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /æntˈɪsɪpˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ænˌtɪsəˈpeɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
a feeling of eager or nervous expectation about something coming
the act of expecting or predicting something before it happens
advance preparation for something expected to happen
More meaningsFewer meanings
a note or chord sounded before its expected harmonic place
Beyond the definition
Anticipation isn't just knowing something will happen; it's the feeling you get before it does – a mix of excitement, nervousness, and hopeful expectation. Think of a child on Christmas Eve, barely able to contain themselves! That bubbling energy is anticipation. You might feel anticipation before a big test, a first date, or even while waiting for your favorite show to start. It's the delicious tension between now and then. Sometimes, anticipation can be tinged with dread – like anticipating bad news. But often, it's a motivating emotion that makes us look forward to what's next. A skilled storyteller knows how to build anticipation in their readers, leaving them on the edge of their seats!
Anticipation is the act of looking forward to something that is going to happen, and the feeling of excitement or anxiety that this causes. It's more than just prediction; it's an emotional state fueled by expectation. For example, "The anticipation of the new movie release was palpable," means everyone could feel the excitement building.
Anticipation can be a powerful motivator. We work hard toward goals because of the anticipated reward – the feeling of accomplishment, the praise we might receive, or simply the satisfaction of a job well done. It's why athletes train relentlessly and students study diligently.
However, anticipation isn't always positive. Sometimes it involves dread or apprehension. You might feel anticipation and anxiety before a doctor's appointment, unsure of what the results will be. This kind of anticipation can be stressful, but even negative anticipation allows us to mentally prepare for potential outcomes.
The word itself comes from the Latin "anticipare," meaning "to foresee" or "to take beforehand." In legal and business contexts, you may also see related phrases like "anticipatory breach of contract," where someone signals ahead of time that they won't fulfill an agreement. But most often, anticipation is simply that thrilling, sometimes nerve-wracking, feeling we get when something good (or potentially bad) is just around the corner.
So whether you're eagerly awaiting a vacation, nervously preparing for a presentation, or simply savoring the moments before a special event – you are experiencing anticipation: the bridge between present and future, colored by hope, fear, and everything in between.
Examples
- 1
Trip excitement
The children were full of anticipation on the morning of the trip.
- 2
Awaiting results
There was a sense of anticipation in the room before the results were announced.
- 3
Live performance
Fans waited in anticipation as the singer stepped onto the stage.
- 4
Expected reaction
She smiled in anticipation of his reaction when he opened the gift.
- Patternin anticipation of + event
because you expect it to happen
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Holiday staffing
The store hired extra workers in anticipation of the holiday rush.
- 6
Trailer suspense
The trailer creates anticipation without revealing too much of the plot.
See also
Similar
- expectation
- expectancy
- looking forward to
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- in anticipation of
- with anticipation
- build anticipation
- a sense of anticipation
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- anticipationnoun
Forms
- anticipationspluralnoun