Anticipate-Expect | Commonly Confused Words
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Anticipate vs. Expect

Anticipate

/ænˈtɪsəpeɪt/
To expect or predict something before it happens

Examples:

'I anticipated that possibility, sir.How to anticipate and adapt to change quickly.The judge anticipated Jephson's objection to this and bellowed, "Objection sustained."

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Expect

/ɪkˈspekt/
To think or believe that something will happen or someone will arrive

Examples:

Perhaps she expects me to say, 'Send the roses back.''Is Professor Challenger expecting you?' he asked.The pace is faster than I expected.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Anticipate often implies a readiness or preparation for a future event, while expect simply means thinking something will happen.
  • You anticipate something when you actively plan or make provisions for it, whereas expecting doesn't necessarily involve planning.
  • One might anticipate changes and be prepared for them, while expecting changes might only mean being aware that they could happen.
  • Anticipation can have a nuance of excitement or dread, while expectation is more neutral.
  • Remember, you can expect someone to arrive, but you anticipate a busy day at the office.
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