Anticipate Meaning

UK /ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt/
US /ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt/
Word Definition
anticipate meaning

Anticipate Definition & Usage

verb

To expect or look forward to something happening in the future.

Examples

  • "I anticipate that the meeting will be productive."
  • "She is eagerly anticipating her vacation next week."
  • "The company anticipates a rise in profits this quarter."
  • "As the event approaches, the excitement only grows, and everyone anticipates a memorable day."
  • "We anticipate heavy traffic due to the ongoing construction."
verb

To take action or prepare for something based on an expectation of what is likely to happen.

Examples

  • "The team anticipates changes in the project timeline and has already started planning for it."
  • "They anticipated potential market shifts and adjusted their strategy accordingly."
  • "The software was designed to anticipate user inputs and provide helpful suggestions."
  • "The chef anticipated the demand for certain dishes, so he prepared extra portions."
  • "In financial planning, it’s important to anticipate future trends and risks."
verb

To predict or react to an opponent's actions in a sport or game, often to gain a strategic advantage.

Examples

  • "The goalkeeper anticipated the striker’s move and blocked the shot."
  • "She anticipated her opponent's serve and returned it with precision."
  • "A good chess player anticipates the opponent’s moves several steps ahead."
  • "The runner anticipated the gunshot and was already in motion when it went off."
  • "Anticipating the play, the linebacker intercepted the ball."

Cultural Context

The word 'anticipate' originates from the Latin 'anticipare,' meaning 'to take care of beforehand.' It’s closely related to the concept of foresight, often involving emotions such as eagerness or anxiety. 'Anticipate' has a broad range of uses, from daily life and business planning to sports and analytical contexts.

The Anticipated Play

Story

The Anticipated Play

It was the final match of the season, and the tension was palpable. The crowd in the stadium murmured, each person feeling the weight of the moment. The underdog team had made it to the final, defying all odds, and now they were facing the defending champions. As the teams lined up for the opening play, Jason, the team's star quarterback, stood still for a moment. He had been practicing for this game for months, studying every move the opponent had made in their previous matches. He anticipated their tactics with a calm confidence. 'They’ll try to rush us,' he whispered to his teammates. 'But if we anticipate their moves, we’ll have the edge.' As the game began, Jason’s instincts proved true. The opposing defense tried to rush him from both sides, but Jason had already anticipated their positions. With a swift dodge, he made the perfect throw, scoring the first touchdown of the game. Throughout the match, Jason seemed to know exactly what the champions would do before they did it. The crowd cheered wildly as his team maintained the lead, all thanks to their ability to anticipate the other team’s moves. By the end of the game, the underdogs had won. Their victory wasn’t just because of skill—it was because they had anticipated every challenge the champions had thrown their way. As they celebrated, Jason smiled. 'Anticipation,' he thought, 'isn’t just about expecting what happens next; it’s about preparing for it.'

The Anticipated Play