The original meaning of the verb anticipate was to prepare for a future circumstance or avoid an expected future event:
- Because Ludwig anticipated your difficulty in finding his cottage, he e-mailed you directions and a map.
- Luc took the bus because he anticipated poor driving conditions on the day of the storm.
However, in addition to its original meaning, it now frequently has the sense of foreseeing or looking forward:
- I anticipate a drop in the stock market.
- Ghada anticipated an easy victory over her chess opponent.
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