anticipation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an expectation
    expectancy.
  2. noun something expected (as on the basis of a norm)
    expectancy.
    • each of them had their own anticipations
    • an indicator of expectancy in development
  3. noun the act of predicting (as by reasoning about the future)
    prediction; prevision.
  4. noun anticipating with confidence of fulfillment
    expectation.

WordNet

An*tic`i*pa"tion noun
Etymology
L. anticipatio: cf. F. anticipation.
Definitions
  1. The act of anticipating, taking up, placing, or considering something beforehand, or before the proper time in natural order.
    So shall my anticipation prevent your discovery. Shak.
  2. Previous view or impression of what is to happen; instinctive prevision; foretaste; antepast; as, the anticipation of the joys of heaven.
    The happy anticipation of renewed existence in company with the spirits of the just. Thodey.
  3. Hasty notion; intuitive preconception.
    Many men give themselves up to the first anticipations of their minds. Locke.
  4. (Mus.) The commencing of one or more tones of a chord with or during the chord preceding, forming a momentary discord. Syn. -- Preoccupation; preclusion; foretaste; prelibation; antepast; pregustation; preconception; expectation; foresight; forethought.

Webster 1913