febrile-anticipation
/ˈfiː.braɪl ˌæn.tɪs.ɪˈpeɪ.ʃən/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A very excited, tense feeling of waiting for something to happen. It suggests strong energy, not calm expectation.
- The crowd waited in febrile anticipation.
- She opened the letter with febrile anticipation.
Adinary Nuance
Febrile anticipation is stronger and more emotional than anticipation alone. It is closer to excitement or nervous excitement, but it can also feel uneasy or feverish. Writers choose it when they want a vivid, literary image of waiting with high tension.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sự háo hức căng thẳng
- Spanish
- anticipación febril
- Chinese
- 狂热期待
- Japanese
- 熱病的な期待
- Korean
- 열띤 기대
Etymology
This phrase combines febrile, from Latin febrilis meaning 'feverish', and anticipation, from Latin anticipare, meaning 'to do beforehand'. It became useful in English for describing intense, restless waiting.
Common phrases
febrile anticipationwith febrile anticipationa mood of febrile anticipation
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is febrile anticipation formal or literary?
- It is mostly literary or formal. People do not often use it in everyday speech.
- How is febrile anticipation different from anticipation?
- Anticipation is neutral. Febrile anticipation adds intensity, restlessness, and emotional heat.
- Can I use febrile anticipation in academic writing?
- Yes, but usually in essays, criticism, or descriptive writing. It sounds more expressive than plain.
- Is febrile anticipation a common phrase?
- No, it is uncommon. You will see it more in books and careful writing.