anticipate

Universal Words verb 1 to expect sth: [VN] We don't anticipate any major problems. * [V-ing] They anticipate moving to bigger premises by the end of the year. * [VN-ing] I don't anticipate it being a problem. * [Vthat] We anticipate that sales will rise next year. * [VNthat] It is anticipated that inflation will stabilize at 3%. 2 to see what might happen in the future and take action to prepare for it: [VN] We need someone who can anticipate and respond to changes in the fashion industry. * [Vwh-] Try and anticipate what the interviewers will ask. [also Vthat] 3 to think with pleasure and excitement about sth that is going to happen: [VN] We eagerly anticipated the day we would leave school. [also V-ing, VN-ing] 4 (formal) to do sth before it can be done by sb else: [VN] When Scott reached the South Pole he found that Amundsen had anticipated him. [also VN-ing] anticipatory adjective (formal): a fast anticipatory movement by the goalkeeper