Cool MateAnticipate vs Await vs Predict vs We've been expecting a probe
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Anticipate
Await
Predict
We've been expecting a probe
| Anticipate | Await | Predict | We've been expecting a probe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt//🇺🇸 //ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈweɪt/","/əˈweɪts/","/əˈweɪtɪd/","/əˈweɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈweɪt/","/əˈweɪts/","/əˈweɪtɪd/","/əˈweɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //prɪˈdɪkt//🇺🇸 //prɪˈdɪkt// | 🇬🇧 //wiːv bɪn ɪkˈspɛktɪŋ ə proʊb//🇺🇸 //wiːv bɪn ɪkˈspɛktɪŋ ə proʊb// |
| Meaning | To expect or look forward to something happening. | to wait for something or someone | To say what will happen in the future. | We thought a probe would come. |
| Example | We anticipate a rise in sales this quarter. | He is in custody **awaiting trial**. | Scientists can predict climate changes based on current data. | We've been expecting a probe to gather data on the planet. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | verb | verb | |
| Collocations | anticipate changes, anticipate problems, anticipate future trends | anxiously, breathlessly, nervously, long awaited | predict outcomes, predict trends, predict the future | expect a response, expect an outcome, expect changes |
| Antonyms | dread, disregard, ignore | depart, continue, proceed | doubt, ignore | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'expect' – 'anticipate' implies preparation., Using 'anticipate' without an object – it should always have something anticipated. | Using 'await' without an object, e.g., 'I await.' should be 'I await your response.', 'Await for' is incorrect; 'await' does not take 'for'., Confusing with 'wait' which is more common in conversation. | Confusing 'predict' with 'foresee' – both mean to anticipate, but 'predict' is more definite., Using 'predict' without an object – it often requires specifying what is predicted. | Confuse 'expecting' with 'waiting for'., Misinterpret 'probe' as a verb only., Forget to use a continuous tense in similar sentences. |
| Usage notes | Use 'anticipate' to express expectation about future events or actions. Avoid for casual conversations. | Used in formal contexts, often in writing. Not typical in casual speech. Don't confuse with 'wait for'—they are similar but 'await' is used without 'for'. | Use 'predict' when expressing expectations about future events. It's suitable for both casual and formal contexts. | Use 'expecting' when anticipating something, common in both written and spoken English. 'Probe' can mean a device for exploration or an investigation. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Anticipate vs Await vs Predict vs We've been expecting a probe
What's the difference between Anticipate, Await, Predict, and We've been expecting a probe?
Anticipate: To expect or look forward to something happening. Await: to wait for something or someone Predict: To say what will happen in the future. We've been expecting a probe: We thought a probe would come.
Which is more advanced: Anticipate, Await, Predict, and We've been expecting a probe?
Await is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Anticipate: We anticipate a rise in sales this quarter. Await: He is in custody **awaiting trial**. Predict: Scientists can predict climate changes based on current data. We've been expecting a probe: We've been expecting a probe to gather data on the planet.
Can I use Anticipate, Await, Predict, and We've been expecting a probe interchangeably?
Not always. Anticipate, Await, Predict, and We've been expecting a probe are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.