Anticipation, n.
Etymology: [L. anticipatio: cf. F. anticipation.]
1. The act of anticipating, taking up, placing, or considering something beforehand, or before the proper time in natural order. So shall my anticipation prevent your discovery. Shak.
2. Previous view or impression of what is to happen; instinctive prevision; foretaste; antepast; as, the anticipation of the joys of heaven. The happy anticipation of renewed existence in company with the spirits of the just. Thodey.
3. Hasty notion; intuitive preconception. Many men give themselves up to the first anticipations of their minds. Locke.
4. (Mus.)
2 more senses
The commencing of one or more tones of a chord with or during the chord preceding, forming a momentary discord.
Syn. -- Preoccupation; preclusion; foretaste; prelibation; antepast; pregustation; preconception; expectation; foresight; forethought.
Shades of meaning
Expectation may be either of good or evil; presentiment almost always, apprehension and foreboding always, of evil; anticipation and antepast, commonly of good. Thus, we speak of the pleasures of anticipation. A foretaste may be of good or evil, and is more than imaginary; it is a part actually received in advance. Foresight and forethought prevent future evil and secure future good by timely looking forward, and acting upon what is foreseen. Compare anticipate.