Definition of Anticipation

Anticipation is the act of expecting or looking forward to something happening in the future. It can refer to a feeling of excitement, hope, or anxiety regarding an upcoming event. Anticipation is a fundamental human emotion that influences decision-making, planning, and emotional responses.

Synonyms of Anticipation

To better understand anticipation, here are some synonymous words categorized by their strength of similarity:

Strongest Matches:

  • Expectation
  • Forethought
  • Prescience
  • Prevision
  • Prediction
  • Premonition
  • Foresight

Strong Matches:

  • Forecast
  • Outlook
  • Prolepsis
  • Apprehension
  • Hope
  • Suspense
  • Excitement

Weak Matches:

  • Anxiety
  • Concern
  • Preparation
  • Readiness
  • Speculation
  • Preconception
  • Assumption

Example Sentences Using Anticipation

  1. The children waited in anticipation for the arrival of Santa Claus.
  2. Her anticipation of the promotion kept her motivated to work harder.
  3. There was a sense of anticipation in the air before the championship game.
  4. He studied the stock market with great anticipation, hoping to make a profit.
  5. The author’s next book release was met with great anticipation by her fans.

Contextual Usage of Anticipation

In Daily Conversations:

  • “I can feel the anticipation building as we get closer to the concert date.”
  • “She smiled in anticipation of the weekend getaway.”

In Business and Finance:

  • “Investors are making decisions in anticipation of the new economic policies.”
  • “The company’s stock rose in anticipation of a strong quarterly report.”

In Literature and Creative Writing:

  • “The eerie silence added to the anticipation of what would happen next in the horror movie.”
  • “She turned the last page with bated breath, the anticipation keeping her on edge.”

In Sports:

  • “The crowd held their breath in anticipation as the player prepared for the penalty kick.”
  • “His anticipation of the opponent’s next move helped him win the match.”

Related Words

  • Expectancy
  • Excitement
  • Tension
  • Prediction
  • Anxiety
  • Suspense
  • Preparation
  • Forewarning

Additional Information About Anticipation

Etymology:

The word “anticipation” comes from the Latin anticipatio, meaning “preconception” or “taking before.” It was first recorded in English in the late 14th century.

Psychological Aspect:

Anticipation plays a crucial role in human psychology. It can create excitement and motivation but also lead to stress or anxiety when linked to uncertainty.

Common Idioms and Phrases:

  • “In eager anticipation” – Waiting excitedly for something.
  • “Anticipation is half the fun” – The build-up to an event is as enjoyable as the event itself.
  • “With great anticipation” – Looking forward to something with enthusiasm.

Disclaimer:

This page is for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and comprehensive information, language usage can vary based on context, region, and culture. If you need professional linguistic advice, consult a language expert or dictionary resource.