English Reference
verb · adjective

anticipated

v. · adj.
US /ænˈtɪsəˌpeɪtɪd/ UK /æntˈɪsɪpˌeɪtɪd/ an·tic·i·pat·ed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to think that something will happen in the future and perhaps prepare for it.

    v.to foresee or predict a future event and take action in expectation of it. Often used with a direct object or a 'that' clause.

    Simple

    The company anticipated a drop in sales during the winter months.

    In context

    Economists had anticipated the market correction for several months, though the speed of the decline caught many retail investors by surprise.

    Usage

    Often followed by a noun phrase or a gerund (-ing form).

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing something that people are waiting for or expecting to happen.

    adj.functioning as a participial adjective to describe an event, arrival, or result that is expected or looked forward to.

    Simple

    The highly anticipated movie finally opened in cinemas last night.

    In context

    The long-anticipated report on urban infrastructure was finally released to the public, sparking immediate debate among city planners.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the attributive position before a noun.

But in the end she wasn't as homesick as she'd anticipated.

BBC News· 15 Aug 2026

He anticipated in 2021 that the crisis would lead to civil war.

The Guardian· 12 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated