To anticipate something means to expect it and prepare for it before it happens. When you anticipate that it might rain during recess, you bring a jacket to school. When a goalkeeper anticipates which direction the soccer ball will go, she positions herself ahead of time to make the save.

Anticipation involves thinking ahead and imagining what's coming. A chess player anticipates her opponent's next moves, planning her strategy several turns in advance. A good host anticipates what guests might need and sets out snacks and drinks before anyone asks.

You might anticipate your birthday with excitement, counting down the days. Or you might anticipate a difficult conversation with nervousness, thinking through what you'll say.

Notice that anticipating isn't the same as worrying or guessing randomly. It means using what you know to make reasonable predictions about what's likely to happen next, then getting ready for it.