English · Word Candidate

anticipation

/ænˌtɪs.ɪˈpeɪ.ʃən/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: anticipations

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The act of anticipating, taking up, placing, or considering something beforehand, or before the proper time in natural order.

Noun

Often the anticipation of a shot is worse than the pain of the stick.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

The eagerness associated with waiting for something to occur.

Noun

He waited with great anticipation for Christmas to arrive.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “anticipation” mean?

The act of anticipating, taking up, placing, or considering something beforehand, or before the proper time in natural order.

Is “anticipation” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.