Reading Theme:
Anticipation: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：excited expectation (anticipation)
anticipation
/ænˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃn/
n.
A feeling of excitement about something good that is going to happen.
excited expectation
➕
/ɪkˈsaɪtɪd ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃən/
n.
The feeling of being excited and looking forward to something positive that is expected to happen.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'anticipare' (to take before), combining 'ante-' (before) and 'capere' (to take).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'anti-' (before) + 'cipation' (like capture) – capturing a feeling before it happens.
📖 Example
The children were filled with joyful anticipation in the days leading up to their trip to the amusement park.
In the days before their amusement park trip, the children were full of happy anticipation.
🔗 Collocations
in anticipation of – expecting or preparing for something
with great anticipation – with a lot of excited expectation
anticipation builds – excitement increases as something approaches
🔄 Synonyms
expectation (n.) – a belief that something will happen
eagerness (n.) – keen desire or enthusiasm
excitement (n.) – a feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
anticipate (v.) – to expect or look forward to something
anticipatory (adj.) – relating to or involving anticipation
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'anticipare', meaning to act in advance. It entered English via Old French and is widely used in psychology for anticipatory emotions and in economics for market predictions.
Meaning 2：predictive action (anticipation)
anticipation
/ænˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃn/
n.
The act of predicting what will happen in the future and acting accordingly.
predictive action
➕
/prɪˈdɪktɪv ˈækʃən/
n.
The action of foreseeing future events and taking steps in advance based on that prediction.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
A good driver shows anticipation by slowing down when seeing children playing near the road.
A skilled driver demonstrates anticipation by reducing speed upon noticing children playing close to the roadway.
🔗 Collocations
anticipation of change – preparing for expected changes
strategic anticipation – planning based on future predictions
anticipation in sports – predicting opponents' moves in sports
🔄 Synonyms
foresight (n.) – the ability to predict or plan for the future
premonition (n.) – a feeling that something is about to happen
proactivity (n.) – taking action in advance rather than reacting
🚫 Antonyms
reaction (n.) – a response to something that has already happened
improvisation (n.) – acting or making something without preparation
🌱 Derivatives
anticipate (v.) – to expect or look forward to something
anticipatory (adj.) – relating to or involving anticipation
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