English Reference
noun

anticipation

n.
US /ænˌtɪsəˈpeɪʃən/ UK /æntˈɪsɪpˈeɪʃən/ an·tic·i·pa·tion UK spelling anticipations

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen soon.

    the state of looking forward to an event, typically with a degree of eagerness or anxiety.

    Simple

    The children were shaking with anticipation as they waited for the party to start.

    In context

    The crowd waited in breathless anticipation for the soloist to take the stage, their eyes fixed on the velvet curtains.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    doing something early because you expect it will be needed later.

    the act of taking action or considering something before the proper or expected time.

    Simple

    In anticipation of the storm, we put all the garden furniture in the garage.

    In context

    The city council reinforced the sea walls in anticipation of rising tides, demonstrating a rare instance of long-term infrastructure planning.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Music

    a note played slightly before the rest of the chord it belongs to.

    a non-harmonic note that is played or sung just before the chord in which it is a structural member.

    Simple

    The singer used a slight anticipation to make the melody feel more emotional.

    In context

    The composer employed a melodic anticipation in the flute part, creating a momentary dissonance that resolved beautifully into the final cadence.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency TechnicalFormal Finance

    paying back a loan or debt before the date it is actually due.

    the prepayment of a financial obligation, often executed to reduce the total interest accrued.

    Simple

    The contract allows for the anticipation of the loan without any extra fees.

    In context

    The corporation opted for the anticipation of its high-interest bonds to improve its balance sheet before the end of the fiscal year.

    prepayment

That leaves back line leadership to 19-year-old Cubarsi, who depends more on anticipation and positioning than so-called intimidation.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

In anticipation of the coming school year, the president of Tuskegee University, Dr Mark A Brown, sent welcome letters to students and their parents last month.

The Guardian· 11 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated