anticipatory

[an-tis-uh-puh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee]

adjective

1. of, showing, or expressing anticipation.

Other Word Forms

• anticipatorily adverb
• nonanticipatorily adverb
• nonanticipatory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of anticipatory¹

First recorded in 1660–70; anticipate + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

She would have been thrilled at the prospect of seeing an important collection of ferns, and even felt some anticipatory tummy rumbles at the thought of eating what promised to be a truly delicious meal.

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The judge said specific performance could be available in a situation involving an actual breach or an anticipatory breach of the contract.

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Asked why the numbers were not higher, Pace highlighted "anticipatory action, being ready".

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For those feeling unsatisfied with their current lives, anticipatory nostalgia can decrease anxiety while enhancing the meaningfulness of the moment.

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A moment of anticipatory transition is frozen, made perpetual.

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