What does "scenario" mean?

1. (a possible situation) a description of how things might happen in the future or a possible situation you imagine. 2. (a plot outline) a summary or outline of the story in a play, film, or book.

How do you use "scenario"?

Often used with 'worst-case' or 'best-case' to describe extreme possibilities.

scenario

US //sɪˈnɛɹioʊ// UK //sənˈɑːɹiˌəʊ// sce·nario

1 a possible situation (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

a description of how things might happen in the future or a possible situation you imagine.

a hypothetical or projected sequence of events, often used to evaluate potential outcomes or risks.

Example

In the worst-case scenario, the flight will be cancelled and we will have to stay in a hotel.

Example

Economists are currently modelling a scenario where global trade remains stagnant for the next decade, forcing nations to rely more heavily on domestic production.

Usage

Often used with 'worst-case' or 'best-case' to describe extreme possibilities.
- reality
- fact
2 a plot outline (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Theatre

a summary or outline of the story in a play, film, or book.

an outline or summary of the plot of a dramatic or literary work, providing the framework for the narrative.

Example

The director asked for a detailed scenario of the first act before they started filming.

Example

The playwright submitted a ten-page scenario that meticulously detailed the character arcs and major plot points of the upcoming production.

Teacher's tip

While this sense is the origin of the word, modern speakers usually use 'script' or 'synopsis' instead.

Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *(s)ḱeh₃-der. Ancient Greek σκηνή (skēnḗ)bor. Latin scēnabor. Italian scena Proto-Indo-European *-yósder. Proto-Italic *-āsios Latin -ārius Latin -āriumbor. Italian -ario Italian scenariobor. English scenario Borrowed from Italian scenario, from scena + -ario.