anticipate

4 definitions • 16 examples

to imagine or expect that something will happen:

We don't anticipate any trouble.

We had one or two difficulties along the way that we didn't anticipate.

Are you anticipating a lot of people at the party tonight?

[ + -ing verb ] They anticipate having several applicants for the job.

[ + that ] They anticipate that they will have several applicants for the job

[ + question word ] At this stage we can't really anticipate what will happen.

The anticipated inflation figure is lower than last month's.

to take action in preparation for something that you think will happen:

It's always best to anticipate a problem before it arises.

The army anticipated (= took action in preparation for) the explosion by evacuating the town.

to imagine or expect that something will happen, sometimes taking action in preparation for it:

No job cuts are anticipated under the new ownership.

[ + (that) clause ] I don’t anticipate (that) we’ll solve all our problems with one meeting.

We anticipate criticism but plan to go ahead anyway.

[ + question word ] At this stage we can’t anticipate what will happen.

to imagine or expect that something will happen:

anticipate problems/difficulties It's always best to anticipate problems before they arise.

The anticipated inflation figure is lower than last month's.

anticipate that They anticipate that their lawyers will appeal the decision, though that process could take at least nine months.