Scenario Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🎬
scenario
[sɪˈnɑː.ri.əʊ ]
Definitions
in a movie script
A detailed outline or script of the plot of a film or play, including descriptions of the characters, scenes, and dialogue.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scenario |
Used again in different context might be a mistake, as it has already been described. Ignore the duplicate. |
| script |
Refers to the written text for plays, movies, or television shows, detailing dialogue and instructions for performers.
|
| outline |
Refers to a preliminary summary or framework of a larger piece of work, often used in writing or planning stages.
|
| plot |
Primarily used in the context of stories, movies, or books to describe the sequence of events that make up the narrative.
|
Examples of usage
- The scenario for the new movie is still being developed.
- She wrote a scenario for her upcoming play.
possible future events
A sequence of possible events, especially ones that lead to a particular outcome.
Synonyms
outcome, possibility, situation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scenario |
Use 'scenario' when discussing a specific sequence of events or a detailed plan of action. It often pertains to plans, scripts, or predictions about the future.
|
| outcome |
Use 'outcome' when referring to the result or consequence of a particular action, event, or situation. It indicates the end result after a process has taken place.
|
| situation |
Use 'situation' when describing the current state of affairs or circumstances in which someone or something is. It can refer to any context, condition, or environment that is relevant at a specific time.
|
| possibility |
Use 'possibility' when talking about something that might happen or be true but is not certain. It often implies a sense of chance or potential.
|
Examples of usage
- The worst-case scenario would be a total collapse of the economy.
- We need to plan for all possible scenarios.
a setting or situation
The place or situation in which an event or story takes place.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scenario |
Used to describe a sequence of events or a hypothetical situation. Common in planning, storytelling, and predictive contexts.
|
| setting |
Refers to the time and place of an event, particularly in literature, film, or any narrative work. It establishes the backdrop for events to unfold.
|
| scene |
Describes a location or sequence in a movie, play, book, or a particular event happening at a specific place. Often used in filmmaking, theater, and literature.
|
| context |
Refers to the circumstances or setting that surround a particular event, statement, or idea, and is crucial for understanding its meaning.
|
Examples of usage
- The scenario of the novel is a post-apocalyptic world.
- We found ourselves in a strange scenario.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In storytelling, scenarios are used to explore characters' decisions and how they shape the plot.
- Writers often develop multiple scenarios to see how different choices affect the outcome of their stories.
Psychology
- Scenarios are commonly used in psychological studies to understand how people react in different situations.
- Creating hypothetical scenarios helps researchers analyze decision-making processes.
Business
- In strategic planning, organizations create scenarios to predict future trends and prepare for possible events.
- Scenario analysis is a useful tool for assessing risks and opportunities in business.
Film and Media
- Film directors write scenarios to outline the flow of the film before shooting begins.
- In video games, scenarios define the paths that players can take, influencing their experiences and outcomes.
Origin of 'scenario'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Italian 'scenario', meaning a 'scene' or 'theater stage'.
- It was first used in English in the late 18th century, often in the context of drama and plays.
The word "scenario" originated from the Italian word "scenari" which means scenes or settings. It was first used in the context of theater to refer to the written outline of a play. Over time, the term expanded to include a wider range of meanings, such as possible future events or situations. In modern usage, "scenario" is commonly used in the fields of film, literature, and business to describe a sequence of events or a specific setting.