eventually
Sayi-VEN-choo-uh-lee/ɪˈvɛn.t͡ʃu.ə.li/UK/ɪˈvɛn.t͡ʃuː.ə.li/
- 1In the end, often after a long time or many problems.
Like reaching the top of a hill at last, after a long, hard climb.
After many tries, she eventually learned to ride her bike.
The bus was very late, but it eventually arrived.
UsageIt does not mean maybe. It means in the end, often after a long time.
Similarfinally, ultimately
Oppositeimmediately
- 2Maybe or perhaps, possibly true but not certain.
UsagePeople will hear 'in the end'. To mean maybe, say perhaps or possibly.
Similarpossibly, potentially, perhaps, maybe
Oppositedefinitely, certainly
Note
Less common meaning
- 3From some point on, true for everything after that point.
Practice
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Origin
From the word "eventual" plus "-ly". One meaning was shaped by several European languages, such as Czech "eventuálně" and Swedish "eventuellt".
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- Eventually was formed from eventual plus -ly. en.wiktionary.org
- One meaning was influenced by European languages including Czech eventuálně and Swedish eventuellt. en.wiktionary.org