verb

anticipate

an-TIS-ih-payt/ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt/

To expect a future event and respond before it occurs.

She carries an umbrella because she anticipates rain on the walk.

Black adult prepares an umbrella before stepping into forecast rain.
Etymology

“Before” and “take” express taking something in hand ahead of time. This developed through acting beforehand to forestall something into expecting its arrival while preparing for it.

In context

TED4:04
Taking the time to anticipate the other's needs and challenges. What pressures may they be under?
3 steps to getting what you want in a negotiation | The Way We Work, a TED series

More examples

  • We anticipate a larger audience than last year.
  • The organizers anticipated delays and opened the gates early.
  • He is anticipating questions by preparing clear examples.

Forms

anticipate · anticipates · anticipated · anticipating

anticipation noun — Expectation and preparation before an event.

Similar words

expect
Does not necessarily imply preparing in advance.
foresee
Emphasizes recognizing a future outcome rather than responding to it.