What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dread
Example
I dread going to the dentist. [dread: verb]
Example
He had a sense of dread about the upcoming exam. [dread: noun]
anticipate
Example
I anticipate having a great time at the party. [anticipate: verb]
Example
She was eagerly anticipating her graduation day. [anticipating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Anticipate is more commonly used than dread in everyday language. Anticipate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dread is less common and is typically used in more formal or serious contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between dread and anticipate?
While dread is typically associated with a formal or serious tone, anticipate is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.