What does anticipatively mean?
Anticipatively is an adverb that describes doing something in a state of anticipation — that is, with one's mind turned toward an expected future event. Someone who waits anticipatively is not merely waiting but actively looking forward, often with eagerness or readiness for what is about to happen. The word is built on the adjective 'anticipative' and ultimately on the Latin verb 'anticipare', meaning 'to take before' or 'to act in advance'. In practice it is a rare, somewhat formal or literary term: most English speakers express the same idea with 'expectantly', 'eagerly', or the phrase 'with anticipation'. Its scarcity gives it a distinctive flavor when used well, lending prose a precise, slightly elevated tone. Writers who encounter it should note that it modifies verbs of action or manner — one speaks, waits, or opens a letter anticipatively — rather than standing alone as a description of feeling.
adverbIn a manner that anticipates; acting, feeling, or done in expectation of something to come.
- In expectation of something future; with eager or forward-looking anticipation.
"She opened the letter anticipatively, already guessing at its contents."
"The children waited anticipatively by the window for the first snowfall."
"He signed the contract anticipatively, confident the merger would be approved."
'Anticipatively' is the rare adverb hiding inside a word you use every day — most writers reach for 'expectantly' without ever meeting it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of anticipatively
Anticipatively derives from the adjective 'anticipative', formed from the verb 'anticipate', which entered English in the early 16th century from Latin 'anticipatus', the past participle of 'anticipare' ('to take beforehand'), itself composed of 'ante' ('before') and 'capere' ('to take'). The adverb was formed in the standard English fashion by adding '-ly' to the adjective. Its cognates include 'anticipation', 'anticipatory', and 'anticipant', all tracing back to the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How anticipatively is actually used
A rare and somewhat literary adverb; in everyday writing, 'expectantly' or 'with anticipation' is far more common. It derives from the adjective 'anticipative', itself uncommon.
Easily confused with anticipatively
Anticipatory is an adjective describing something that involves anticipation (as in 'anticipatory bail'), while anticipatively is an adverb describing how an action is performed.