anticipation

noun

an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən 

1

a

: a prior action that takes into account or forestalls a later action

hired more security guards in anticipation of a large crowd

b

: the act of looking forward

especially : pleasurable expectation

looked forward with anticipation to their arrival

2

: the use of money before it is available

3

a

: visualization of a future event or state

b

: an object or form that anticipates a later type

4

: the early sounding of one or more tones of a succeeding chord to form a temporary dissonance compare suspension

Synonyms

• contemplation
• expectance
• expectancy
• expectation
• prospect

Choose the Right Synonym for anticipation

prospect, outlook, anticipation, foretaste mean an advance realization of something to come.

prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

Examples of anticipation in a Sentence

She had a feeling of great anticipation before her graduation ceremony.

He looked forward to the party with anticipation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Apart from the weeks and months of anticipation leading up to the eclipse, the longest phase of the event is the partial eclipse, as the moon slowly moves over the sun. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 8 Apr. 2024

Here's everything to know From the timing, the path of totality, all things eclipse glasses (real and fake), the weather, how to livestream, and much more Start Slideshow After months of anticipation, a rare total solar eclipse will finally sweep across the North American skies on Monday. —Quartz Staff, Quartz, 8 Apr. 2024

With anticipation gearing up for the rare opportunity, clear skies will be essential to viewing the eclipse, especially since most of Michigan doesn't fall in the path of totality. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 7 Apr. 2024

And while much of that eager anticipation is purely for the celestial light show that will be on display, there's an academic reason as well. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2024

That moment is never guaranteed, but the anticipation is worth it. —Solcyré Burga, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024

Domenica Bongiovanni Jazmine Nelson and Minerva Pineda-Allen will gather with thousands of others across the city on Monday, brimming with the anticipation of witnessing a cosmic event that only occurs in the same place about every 375 years. —The Indianapolis Star, 4 Apr. 2024

In the 12th minute, the crowd was steaming with enough anticipation to boil a tea kettle after Alex Loerra skimmed a shot just over the crossbar. —Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2024

After weeks of teasing and anticipation, Beyoncé’s eighth studio album is available worldwide now. —Tim Chan, Variety, 29 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see anticipate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing anticipation

• in anticipation of

Kids Definition

anticipation

noun

an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)an-ˌtis-ə-ˈpā-shən 

1

: an earlier action that takes into account and deals with or prevents a later action

2

: pleasurable expectation

3

: the act of providing for an expected event or state

anticipatory

an-ˈtis-ə-pə-ˌtōr-ē

-ˌtȯr-

adjective

Medical Definition

anticipation

noun

an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)an-ˌtis-ə-ˈpā-shən 

1

: occurrence (as of a disease or symptom) before the normal or expected time

2

: mental attitude that influences a later response

Legal Definition

anticipation

noun

an·​ti·​ci·​pa·​tion an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən 

: the knowledge or use of an invention in the U.S. or the patenting or describing of the invention in a publication in the U.S. or a foreign country before the discovery by a patent applicant

Note: Case law has established that every claim or element of a claim has to be disclosed in the prior art in order for a patent application to be barred by anticipation. If an application is amended to consist of claims not disclosed in the prior art, invalidation by anticipation can be avoided.