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Eventuality: meaning, definitions and examples

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eventuality

 

[ɪˌvɛnʧuˈæləti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in case of

a possible event or outcome that is not certain to happen, especially one that is considered to be a possible result of a particular situation

Synonyms

chance, likelihood, possibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
eventuality

Use when referring to a possible outcome or event, typically something that might happen in the future, often in the context of planning or precaution.

  • We need to prepare for every eventuality in the project
possibility

Use when talking about something that might happen or be true, more generally used and can be applied in both formal and informal contexts.

  • There is a possibility that she will come to the party
likelihood

Use when discussing the probability or chance that something will happen, usually in more formal or analytical contexts.

  • The likelihood of rain tomorrow is high according to the weather forecast
chance

Use when talking about the probability or possibility of something happening, often in casual conversation or when discussing opportunities or risks.

  • There's a chance we might win the lottery

Examples of usage

  • It's important to plan for every eventuality.
  • We need to consider all eventualities before making a decision.
  • In the eventuality of rain, the event will be moved indoors.
Context #2 | Noun

possibility

a possible event or situation that might happen in the future

Synonyms

chance, likelihood, possibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
eventuality

This word is used when planning for a potential future event, especially one that is undesirable or problematic. It implies a specific situation or outcome that might occur.

  • We must prepare for every eventuality in this project.
  • In the event of an emergency, this plan covers all possible eventualities.
possibility

This term refers to something that may happen or be true, emphasizing the fact that it is one of many potential outcomes. It doesn't specify whether it is likely or unlikely.

  • There is a possibility of snow tomorrow.
  • One possibility is to take a different route to avoid traffic.
likelihood

This word is used to indicate how probable something is, often based on evidence or reasoning. It suggests a higher level of analysis or thought.

  • The likelihood of winning the lottery is very low.
  • Given the circumstances, the likelihood of success is quite high.
chance

This term is often used to express the probability of something happening, usually with no particular emphasis on whether it is positive or negative.

  • There is a good chance it will rain today.
  • Taking a chance on a new idea can be exciting.

Examples of usage

  • We need to be prepared for any eventuality.
  • Consider all eventualities before making a decision.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'eventualis', meaning 'resulting from an event'.
  • It originally referred to something contingent upon a predetermined outcome.
  • The term has been used in English since the 17th century, gaining traction during discussions of planning and forecasting.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often discuss eventuality in the context of free will versus determinism, pondering how choices lead to various potential futures.
  • In debates about ethics, eventualities are crucial in considering the consequences of actions over time.
  • The concept challenges us to think about risk management in decision-making, weighing the likelihood of one outcome over another.

Science and Probability

  • In probability theory, the assessment of eventualities helps in predicting future events based on statistical models.
  • Scientists use eventuality to define hypotheses that describe potential outcomes in an experiment.
  • The idea plays a significant role in risk assessment, evaluating how likely certain scenarios are and how they might impact systems.

Literature

  • In narrative storytelling, authors explore eventualities to build plot tension, revealing how events unfold based on characters' decisions.
  • John Steinbeck's works often illustrate the concept by depicting how characters navigate unforeseen challenges.
  • The theme of eventuality is prevalent in speculative fiction, where imagined futures depend on the choices made in the present.

Cultural References

  • The term is often used in investing and business, referring to all possible outcomes that could happen along with market trends.
  • In movies and TV shows, characters frequently face eventualities that drastically change their lives, highlighting unpredictability.
  • Eventuality also appears in discussions on climate change, where multiple potential scenarios shape policy and response strategies.

Translations

Translations of the word "eventuality" in other languages:

🇵🇹 eventualidade

🇮🇳 संभावना

🇩🇪 Möglichkeit

🇮🇩 kemungkinan

🇺🇦 можливість

🇵🇱 możliwość

🇯🇵 可能性

🇫🇷 éventualité

🇪🇸 eventualidad

🇹🇷 olasılık

🇰🇷 가능성

🇸🇦 إمكانية

🇨🇿 možnost

🇸🇰 možnosť

🇨🇳 可能性

🇸🇮 možnost

🇮🇸 möguleiki

🇰🇿 мүмкіндік

🇬🇪 შესაძლებლობა

🇦🇿 ehtimal

🇲🇽 eventualidad

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,634, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.