What is anticipate? Pronunciation and usage in English

anticipate means . Learn how to pronounce and use anticipate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of anticipate

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/anˈtɪsɪpeɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of anticipate

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "anticipate" in English. It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

The word is generally broken into three syllables: an-ti-ci-pa-te

2. Individual Sounds:

  • an: Like the "a" in "fan" (short "a" sound)
  • ti: Like "tea" – a brief, quick "t" sound followed by a short "ee" sound.
  • ci: Like "see" – a short "s" sound.
  • pa: Like "pah" – a short "a" sound.
  • te: Like "tea" – a brief, quick "t" sound followed by a short "ee" sound

3. Putting it Together – The Rhythm:

The key is the rhythm. It's not a simple, even pronunciation. It’s quicker in the middle.

Here's one way to say it (which is a common and accepted pronunciation):

ˈæntɪˌsɪpəteɪt

Let’s break that down with emphasis:

  • ˈæntɪ: (Stress the first syllable - rhymes with “ant”) - 'æ' as in 'cat'
  • ˌsɪpə: (Slight pause) - ‘sɪ’ as in ‘sit’ and ‘pə’ as in ‘pa’
  • teɪt: (Quickly) - ‘teɪ’ as in ‘say’ and ‘t’ as in ‘tea’

4. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t over-emphasize any one syllable. It's a flowing word.
  • Don't pronounce the "t" at the end as a distinct "t". It's almost swallowed.
  • Listen to examples! This is crucial. Here are some resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more specific tips about a particular part of the word?

Usage and examples with the word anticipate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "anticipate" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with slightly different nuances depending on how you use it.

1. Core Meaning: To Expect or Predict

At its simplest, "anticipate" means to expect something to happen in the future. It’s stronger than just "expect" – it suggests a degree of forethought or preparation.

  • Example: "I anticipate a busy day tomorrow." (Meaning: I expect it to be busy.)
  • Example: "The weather forecast anticipates heavy rain." (Meaning: The forecast predicts heavy rain.)
  • Example: "We anticipate that the new product will be very popular." (Meaning: We predict it will be popular.)

2. More Formal Usage: To Take Preparatory Action

“Anticipate” can also describe taking steps before something happens, in preparation for it. This is often used in a more formal context.

  • Example: "The company anticipated a drop in sales and began cutting costs." (Meaning: They took actions in advance to prepare for a decline in sales.)
  • Example: “The security team anticipated potential threats and installed extra surveillance cameras.” (Meaning: They planned and implemented security measures ahead of time.)

3. "Anticipate a Response" - To Expect a Reaction

This is a common usage, often related to communication or behavior.

  • Example: "I anticipated a negative reaction to the proposal." (Meaning: I expected a negative reaction.)
  • Example: “She anticipated his anger and tried to soothe him.” (Meaning: She predicted he would get angry and braced herself.)

4. "Anticipate the Future" - To Imagine or Plan for What's to Come

This suggests looking ahead and mentally considering possibilities.

  • Example: "I like to anticipate the future and make plans for my retirement." (Meaning: I think about what might happen and plan accordingly.)

Key Differences & Synonyms

Word Nuance Example
Anticipate Expect + Prepare "We anticipate a long flight."
Expect Simply to believe will occur "I expect it will rain today."
Predict To state as likely "The news predicted a recession."
Foresee To see beforehand “She foresaw the challenges ahead.”
Assume To take for granted "I assume he’ll be late."

Tips for Using "Anticipate" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: Pay attention to the situation to understand whether you're simply expecting something or taking proactive steps.
  • Avoid Overuse: "Anticipate" can sound a little stiff if used too frequently. Consider if a simpler word like "expect" or "predict" would be more natural.
  • Formal Tone: It generally lends itself to more formal writing and speech.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "anticipate" in a specific context (e.g., business, relationships, weather)?
  • Help you practice using the word in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word anticipate

Practice with vocabulary anticipate

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The team was able to _______ the client’s needs and prepared accordingly.
  2. It’s important to _______ potential risks before starting a new project.
  3. She hoped to _______ a positive outcome, but the results were disappointing.
  4. We need to _______ the delivery schedule to avoid delays.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What does it mean to _______ problems before they arise?
    a) predict
    b) anticipate
    c) ignore
    d) delay

  2. Which word best fits this sentence? "The manager failed to _______ the sudden drop in sales."
    a) foresee
    b) expect
    c) anticipate
    d) overlook

  3. Which sentence uses "anticipate" correctly?
    a) She anticipates to arrive on time.
    b) They anticipate the meeting will start late.
    c) He anticipates for the worst-case scenario.
    d) We anticipate a successful outcome.

  4. Which word does NOT fit in this sentence? "The team tried to _______ the challenges ahead."
    a) anticipate
    b) predict
    c) ignore
    d) foresee

  5. What is the best word to replace "expect" in this sentence? "I _______ a response by tomorrow."
    a) predict
    b) anticipate
    c) await
    d) assume

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: They expected a lot of people to attend the event.
    Rewrite: They _______ a lot of people to attend the event.

  2. Original: The company predicted an increase in sales next quarter.
    Rewrite: The company _______ an increase in sales next quarter.

  3. Original: She foresaw the potential issues and addressed them early.
    Rewrite: She _______ the potential issues and addressed them early.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. anticipate
  2. anticipate
  3. foresee
  4. adjust

Exercise 2:

  1. b) anticipate
  2. c) anticipate
  3. b) They anticipate the meeting will start late.
    d) We anticipate a successful outcome.
  4. c) ignore
  5. b) anticipate

Exercise 3:

  1. They anticipated a lot of people to attend the event.
  2. The company anticipated an increase in sales next quarter.
  3. She predicted the potential issues and addressed them early.

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