What does "thanks in anticipation" mean?

[ChristmasCarol]

Could someone explain what 'Thanks in anticipation' exactly means? In my dictionary it says that anticipation means 'preventation' and 'expectation', but I still can figure out what 'Thanks in anticipation' means. I know what 'Thanks in advance' means, but it isn't exactly the same, is it?

Thanks in advance :P

[MrPedantic]

Hello CC,

I always take it to mean:

1. In the expectation that you will be kind enough to provide help, I thank you in advance.

Best wishes,

MrP

[Nessie]

Hi MrP,
I just want to ask which of the two expressions ("Thank you in advance" and "Thank you in anticipation") is more common (I myself have never heard "Thank you in anticipation so far) and if there is any slight difference between them (i.e: formality)

Many thanks
Nessie
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:(... something we never have again, I know... I guess I really really know.. :(

Sorry seems to be the hardest word...

[MrPedantic]

Hello Nessie,

My impression is that "Thanks/Thank you in advance" is the more common; I don't think "Thank you in anticipation" would be any more formal than "Thank you in advance" – in terms of formality, the distinction would be between "thanks" and "thank you".

Have a pleasant Monday,

MrP

[Gheon]

Dear moderators & admins, prove me wrong if I'm, but there's the clash of meanings in:
http://www.english-test.net/toeic/vocabulary/words/027/toeic-test.php test item no.9

adj. enduring; lasting; continuing; leftover; remaining
variants to choose from are:
(a) persistent
(b) intensive
(c) severe
(d) residual
The set correct variant said to be residual though it is evident that residual pertains only to leftover & remaining while persistent is the best fit for enduring; lasting; continuing.
It seems that the test should somehow be changed.

PS. Sorry for the off-top.
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I find your Lack of Faith disturbing!
The Force is out there!

[Haihao]

Hi Mr Pedantic,

Long time no see! How are you? It's really good and happy to see you again!
I have never forgotten your kindest help and wonderful paraphrases for my reading of Ulysses, say, about two years ago?!
Actually I had been absent from here for quite a while too since then for... the job searching business. Now I have settled down and come back again.

Please don't "grudge" your most generous and insightful help for me from now on either, and please come as often as possible. Oh, it's really... nice!

Regards,

Haihao