scenario
English meaning: Scenario
Definition
An outline of the plot of a dramatic or literary work.
Example
“In the worst-case scenario, the project could be delayed by a year.”
Another example: “The training exercise put recruits through a realistic emergency scenario.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A common noun for an imagined sequence of events, or the outline of a play/film. Frequent in planning, risk analysis ('worst-case scenario'), and storytelling. Note the spelling and the Italian-derived pronunciation.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Italian 'scenario', from Latin 'scena' (scene), originally a theatrical plot outline, entering English in the 1800s.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- worst-case scenario
- best-case scenario
- likely scenario
- hypothetical scenario
- scenario planning
Word Forms
scenario (n); scenarios (pl.)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B