[noun] something expected (as on the basis of a norm); "each of them had their own anticipations"; "an indicator of expectancy in development" Synonyms:expectancy
[noun] the act of predicting (as by reasoning about the future) Synonyms:prediction, prevision
[noun] some early entity whose type or style anticipates a later one; "there were many anticipations of Darwinian theory"; "the hour glass was an anticipation of the clock"
[noun] wishing with confidence of fulfillment Synonyms:expectation