eventuality
Meaning: A possible event or outcome, especially one that is unpleasant or undesirable; something that might happen.
Eventuality refers to a potential future occurrence, particularly one that prudent people should prepare for. It is slightly more formal than 'possibility' and often carries undertones of something unwelcome. It is common in insurance, legal, and planning contexts. Common collocations include 'prepare for every eventuality,' 'in the eventuality of,' 'cover all eventualities,' and 'an unlikely eventuality.'
Examples
- The insurance policy was designed to cover all eventualities, from fire to flood. 该保险单旨在涵盖从火灾到洪水的一切可能情况。La póliza de seguros estaba diseñada para cubrir toda eventualidad, desde incendios hasta inundaciones.その保険契約は、火災から洪水まであらゆる事態に対応できるよう設計されていた。그 보험 계약은 화재에서 홍수까지 모든 사태에 대응할 수 있도록 설계되어 있었다.
- In the eventuality of a hung parliament, the existing prime minister would remain in office. 在出现悬浮议会的情况下,现任首相将继续留任。En la eventualidad de un parlamento sin mayoría, el primer ministro en funciones permanecería en el cargo.ハングパーラメント(どの党も過半数を取れない議会)が生じた場合、現職首相が引き続き在任することになる。어느 정당도 과반을 차지하지 못하는 의회(헝 파를러먼트)가 발생할 경우, 현직 총리가 계속 재임하게 된다.
- She packed supplies for every eventuality, including a torch, a first-aid kit, and a waterproof blanket. 她为各种可能情况准备了物资,包括手电筒、急救箱和防水毯。Empaquetó provisiones para cualquier eventualidad, incluidas una linterna, un botiquín de primeros auxilios y una manta impermeable.彼女は懐中電灯、救急キット、防水ブランケットなど、あらゆる事態に備えて荷物を詰めた。그녀는 손전등, 구급 키트, 방수 담요 등 모든 사태에 대비하여 짐을 꾸렸다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, legal, general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From eventual (from French éventuel, from Latin eventus, an outcome or occurrence) + -ity. The word entered English in the eighteenth century, emphasising the contingent, uncertain nature of future outcomes.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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