eventually
- 01 B1 Intermediate
at the end of a long period of time, especially after many problems or delays.
occurring at an unspecified later time, typically following a series of events, obstacles, or a significant duration.
Simple“It took three hours, but we eventually found the keys in the car.”
In context“Although the negotiations were fraught with tension and repeated setbacks, the two parties eventually reached a compromise that satisfied the board.”
PitfallI will eventually go to the store now. I will eventually go to the store.'Eventually' implies a delay or a long time passing; it cannot be used for things happening right now.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
used to describe a rule that becomes true for all numbers after a certain point in a list.
describing a property that holds for all terms of a sequence beyond a certain finite point.
Simple“The sequence is eventually constant, meaning all numbers are the same after the tenth one.”
In context“A sequence is said to be eventually positive if there exists an integer N such that all terms beyond N are greater than zero.”
UsageUsually modifies a property or a verb like 'constant' or 'zero'.
eventually vs actually — Eventually marks the end of a long process or delay, while actually introduces a fact that corrects a misunderstanding.
eventually vs finally — Eventually describes a result that comes after a long or uncertain delay, while finally marks the last item in a sequence or a result achieved after specific difficulties.
eventually vs possibly — Eventually means something will happen after a long time or a series of delays, while possibly means something might happen but is not certain.
From eventual + -ly. The third sense is influenced by any of several European languages, including Czech eventuálně, French éventuellement, Swedish eventuellt.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.