eventually
adv.-
1 after a long time (adv.) B1 Intermediateat 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.
ExampleIt took three hours, but we eventually found the keys in the car.
ExampleAlthough 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.
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2 mathematical sequences (adv.) C2 Proficiency Technical Mathused 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.
ExampleThe sequence is eventually constant, meaning all numbers are the same after the tenth one.
ExampleA 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'.
From eventual + -ly. The third sense is influenced by any of several European languages, including Czech eventuálně, French éventuellement, Swedish eventuellt.
- Adjectiveeventual
- Adverbeventually