Origin: Greek prefix anti-
Anticipation has 5 different meanings across 1 category:
something expected (as on the basis of a norm)
"each of them had their own anticipations"
"an indicator of expectancy in development"
the act of predicting (as by reasoning about the future)
"The astronomer's anticipation that a new comet would appear in December was confirmed when it finally dawned over the horizon."
anticipating with confidence of fulfillment
"The team played with an air of anticipation, fully confident that they would secure the championship title."
The act of anticipating, taking up, placing, or considering something beforehand, or before the proper time in natural order.
"The gardener's early pruning was an act of anticipation that ensured the trees would bloom stronger later in the season."
In plain English: Anticipation is the feeling of excitement you get when something good is about to happen soon.
"The children watched with great anticipation as they waited for Santa to arrive."
Usage: Use this noun to describe a feeling of eager expectation rather than the verb form "anticipate." It is often confused with "expectation," but implies an active readiness for what is coming.
The word entered English from the Middle French term anticipation, which itself came from the Latin anticipatio. Originally meaning to take something before its proper time, it traveled into English with this same sense of acting or happening in advance.