Eventually: meaning, definitions and examples
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eventually
[ɪˈvɛntʃuəli ]
Definitions
in the end
after a long time, typically a difficult or protracted one
Synonyms
finally, in the end, ultimately.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| eventually |
Used to indicate that something will happen after a period of time, often after some delays or obstacles.
|
| finally |
Used when something happens after a long wait or many difficulties, often expressing relief or resolution.
|
| ultimately |
Used to express the most important outcome or the main conclusion after considering all the lesser or intermediate steps.
|
| in the end |
Used to show the final outcome or conclusion of a situation after considering all factors and events.
|
Examples of usage
- Eventually, he found his way back home.
- She eventually realized her mistake and apologized.
over time
used to indicate that something will happen at some point in the future
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| eventually |
Use when something happens after a period of time, often despite difficulties or delays. It suggests a natural progression towards an outcome.
|
| finally |
Use when something happens at the end of a process, often indicating relief or satisfaction that the process is complete.
|
| ultimately |
Use to indicate the final result or conclusion after considering all aspects, often in a broader or more philosophical context.
|
Examples of usage
- She will eventually learn to play the piano.
- The project will eventually be completed.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'eventus', meaning 'outcome' or 'to come out', indicating a future result.
- It has evolved through Middle English from the word 'eventual', which referred to something that would happen in the end.
- First recorded use in English was in the 15th century, primarily in discussions of outcomes.
Psychology
- Humans often have difficulty anticipating future events, leading to biases like optimism bias, where we believe good things will happen eventually.
- The concept of thinking 'eventually' can help individuals cope with stress by providing a sense of hope about the future.
- Procrastination can be linked to the idea of doing things 'eventually', leading to delays in achieving goals.
Literature
- In storytelling, the term is used to build suspense, leading readers to anticipate a resolution that will happen eventually.
- Many classic fairy tales end with 'happily ever after', an idea encapsulated by ‘eventually’ as they describe long-term resolutions to conflicts.
- Authors sometimes play with time, creating narratives that explore how characters reach their eventual destinies.
Pop Culture
- 'Eventually' is frequently featured in song lyrics to express themes of patience and hope, showing personal growth over time.
- In movies, characters often undergo challenges with the promise that something good will happen eventually, adding to emotional arcs.
- Popular phrases like 'Everything will be alright eventually' convey comfort and resilience, often appearing in motivational contexts.
Science
- In physics, the concept of 'eventual outcomes' is significant when discussing theories like chaotic systems, where the end state is unpredictable.
- Evolutionarily, species change eventually over time due to environmental pressures, illustrating slow, gradual adaptations.
- In environmental science, ecosystems reach a state of balance or equilibrium eventually, showcasing the resilience of nature.
Translations
Translations of the word "eventually" in other languages:
🇵🇹 eventualmente
🇮🇳 आखिरकार
🇩🇪 schließlich
🇮🇩 akhirnya
🇺🇦 зрештою
🇵🇱 ostatecznie
🇯🇵 最終的に
🇫🇷 finalement
🇪🇸 finalmente
🇹🇷 sonunda
🇰🇷 결국
🇸🇦 في النهاية
🇨🇿 nakonec
🇸🇰 nakoniec
🇨🇳 最终
🇸🇮 končno
🇮🇸 að lokum
🇰🇿 ақырында
🇬🇪 საბოლოოდ
🇦🇿 nəhayət
🇲🇽 finalmente