scenario
sih-NAH-ree-oh
Scenario (noun) means a possible sequence of events that might happen. Example: “In the best-case scenario, the rain stops before the match begins.”
noun
1
A possible sequence of events that might happen.
"In the best-case scenario, the rain stops before the match begins."
"The team planned for the worst-case scenario."
"In this scenario, sales double within a year."
2
An outline of a plot for a play, film, or story.
"The director asked the author to write a short scenario for the opening scene."
"He sketched a scenario for a thriller set on a night train."
"The writer pitched a scenario for the sequel."
How to use scenario
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA possible situation or storyline, imagined or planned in advance.
Common pairings
worst-case scenario
best-case scenario
in this scenario
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Word forms
- Plural
- scenarios, scenari
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In the best-case _____, the rain stops before the match begins.
Etymology
Borrowed from Italian scenario, from scena ("scene") — ultimately from Greek skēnē, meaning "stage."
Related words
Rhymes for scenario
See all rhymes for scenario →Frequently asked questions
What does “scenario” mean?
The word “scenario” means a possible sequence of events that might happen. In plain terms, a possible situation or storyline, imagined or planned in advance.
How do you pronounce “scenario”?
“Scenario” is pronounced sih-NAH-ree-oh (/sɪˈnɛəɹioʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “scenario” in a sentence?
Here is “scenario” used in a sentence: “The team planned for the worst-case scenario.”
What part of speech is “scenario”?
“Scenario” is a noun.
Where does the word “scenario” come from?
The word “scenario” comes from Italian. Borrowed from Italian scenario, from scena ("scene") — ultimately from Greek skēnē, meaning "stage.".
Is “scenario” a common word?
“Scenario” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “scenario” have?
“Scenario” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a possible sequence of events that might happen.
What is the difference between a "scenario" and a "situation"?
A scenario is a possible sequence of events that might happen, often imagined or hypothetical. A situation is the set of circumstances that actually exist at a given moment, so a scenario is projected while a situation is real and present.
What is the difference between a "scenario" and a "plot"?
In storytelling, a scenario is an outline of the plot for a play, film, or story, sketching the main events. The plot is the fully developed sequence of events as told, so the scenario serves as the earlier framework.
What words commonly go with "scenario"?
"Scenario" often appears in phrases such as worst-case scenario, best-case scenario, likely scenario, and hypothetical scenario. These describe different possible sequences of events that might unfold.
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