scenario
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“In the worst-case scenario, the flight will be cancelled and we will have to stay in a hotel.”
In context“Economists are currently modelling a scenario where global trade remains stagnant for the next decade, forcing nations to rely more heavily on domestic production.”
UsageOften used with 'worst-case' or 'best-case' to describe extreme possibilities.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The director asked for a detailed scenario of the first act before they started filming.”
In context“The playwright submitted a ten-page scenario that meticulously detailed the character arcs and major plot points of the upcoming production.”
Teacher's tipWhile this sense is the origin of the word, modern speakers usually use 'script' or 'synopsis' instead.
Usage hypothetical scenario · possible scenario
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.