eventually
Definition
Meaning: Eventually (adverb) means “in the end” or “after a period of time,” especially after delays or difficulties. It suggests something will happen later, not immediately.
La signification : Eventually signifie « finalement » ou « à la longue » en anglais. Il exprime qu’une action ou un résultat arrive après un certain temps, souvent après des obstacles ou une attente.
Example: "After months of training, he eventually completed the marathon."
Grammar: Adverb (modifies verbs). Often used at the beginning or end of a sentence. Common collocations: “eventually win,” “eventually arrive,” “eventually realise.”
Quote: "If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress." [Barack Obama]
N.B.: Be careful when you use this word, because its meaning is different from the French 'éventuellement'
Word Analysis
Français »» Finalement »» À la longue »» Tôt ou tard Ⓐ Finalement, elle a obtenu son diplôme. Ⓑ À la longue, il a compris son erreur. English »» In the end »» After a while »» Sooner or later Ⓐ They eventually reached the top of the mountain. Ⓑ We all eventually learn from our mistakes.
Dialogue
Leo: "Are you still working on your novel?"
Mia: "Yes, but I’m stuck again."
Leo: "Don’t worry. You’ll finish it eventually."
Mia: "I hope so. I just need more time and focus."
Poem Extract
A Man Saw a Ball of Gold [excerpt]
A man saw a ball of gold in the sky;
He climbed for it,
And eventually he achieved it—
It was clay.
Now this is the strange part:
When the man went to the earth
And looked again,
Lo, there was the ball of gold.
Now this is the strange part:
It was a ball of gold.
Aye, by the heavens, it was a ball of gold.
Stephen Crane
Read the Full Poem
Etymology
Origin: The adverb eventually derives from the French éventuel (“possible, contingent”) and from Medieval Latin eventualis, based on Latin eventus meaning “an outcome or result,” from evenire (“to happen, occur”). The core root venire means “to come.”
Modern Usage: Eventually came to mean “in the end” or “after some time” in the 18th–19th centuries. It is now widely used to describe something that will happen later, typically after delay, effort, or waiting.
Grammar Note: Eventually is always an adverb. It usually modifies a verb and answers the question “when?” Example: “She will eventually respond.”
Audience
Eventually is used in both formal and informal English across all English-speaking regions. It’s commonly heard in conversation, writing, news, and academic contexts, often indicating a process with a final outcome.
When to use: Use eventually when describing something that occurs after time has passed, often after delay or development. Example: “Eventually, he understood the importance of patience.”
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, watch the following…The meaning of 'eventually'
How to pronounce 'eventually'
WordReference
For more on idiomatic usage, visit the WordReference Forums for discussions, translations, and examples in context.
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English⇄French – Explore translations and linguistic nuances.
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Synonyms⇄Antonyms – Contextual variations, etc.
Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Eventually / Eventual"
Eventually pay off
To bring success or reward after a period of effort.
Example: "All her hard work will eventually pay off."
Eventually catch up with
To finally affect or reach someone, often after delay.
Example: "His bad habits eventually caught up with him."
Eventually give in
To finally stop resisting or refusing.
Example: "After hours of negotiation, they eventually gave in."
Eventual outcome
The final result after a process or delay.
Example: "The eventual outcome surprised everyone in the courtroom."
Eventually come to light
To become known after being hidden or unknown.
Example: "The truth eventually came to light during the investigation."
Eventually get there
To reach a goal or destination after time or effort.
Example: "It was a long journey, but we eventually got there."
Eventual winner
The person or team who wins in the end.
Example: "He was the eventual winner after a tough competition."
Eventually fall apart
To break down or fail after functioning for a time.
Example: "Their friendship eventually fell apart due to mistrust."
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