English · Emotions & Feelings
anticipation
/ænˌtɪs.ɪˈpeɪ.ʃən/
[/ænˌtɪs.ɪˈpeɪ.ʃən/]
eager expectation
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen.
Example
The children waited in breathless anticipation for the first fireworks to burst across the night sky.
The children waited in breathless anticipation for the first fireworks to burst across the night sky.
Etymology
From Latin 'anticipare' (to take before), from 'ante' (before) and 'capere'.
How & Where It’s Used
Expresses eager waiting for a future event, often pleasant.