Anticipant

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Definitions

1. Eagerly expecting or looking forward to something that is about to happen
2. A state of being keenly awaiting an event or occurrence while harboring positive feelings about the forthcoming situation
3. It describes a mindset characterized by excitement and hope regarding an imminent experience or event

Etymology: "Anticipant" comes from Latin "anticipans," the present participle of "anticipare," meaning "to take beforehand." The Latin verb is built from "ante," "before," and "capere," "to take," so its literal sense is grasping something ahead of time. That sense of taking early hold of what lies ahead is what the English word carries over. English took the word from the Latin participle, and it sits comfortably beside its close relative "anticipate." The adjective describes a person who is looking forward to something with keen expectation, as if already partly enjoying it.