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Definition anticipate in British English

anticipate verb

[transitive] verb
/ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt/
1

to think that something will probably happen

Example

The organizers hadn't anticipated the huge interest there was in the event.

Example

The building will be completed around six months earlier than anticipated.

Example

We anticipate that the river level will rise very slowly.

Example

We don't anticipate this causing any difficulties.

Synonyms and related words
2

to be excited about something enjoyable that is going to happen soon

Example

The film, due to be released in the spring, is being eagerly anticipated by the critics.

Synonyms and related words
3

to guess that something will happen, and be ready to deal with it

Example

Luckily we had anticipated the question.

Example

The businesses that will survive will be those that anticipate changes in technology.

Synonyms and related words
Definition anticipate in British English