eventually

Eventually is an adverb used to indicate that something will happen at some point in the future, after a delay, or after a sequence of events. It can also express that a result will occur in the end, rather than immediately. The term often emphasizes progression over time rather than a specific moment.

Etymology and related forms: Eventually derives from Middle English, via Old French and Late Latin, with a sense linked to what one arrives at after a process. The related adjective is eventual, meaning “occurring as a result of a process” or “likely to happen.” The noun form eventuality refers to a possible event or outcome.

Usage notes: Eventually commonly appears with verbs of change, action, or arrival, as in “They will eventually reach an agreement.” It can be placed before or after the verb phrase: “They will reach an agreement eventually.” It is less emphatic than words like finally or at last and often implies longer time passing or an unfolding process rather than an abrupt conclusion.

Synonyms and contrasts: Common synonyms include ultimately, in the end, and sooner or later. Subtle differences exist: sooner or later tends to highlight inevitability without specifying a process; ultimately emphasizes final outcomes; while eventual emphasizes the idea that a result will occur after some progression.

Related terms: Eventual is an adjective, eventuality is a noun for a possible event or consequence, and the phrasing “eventual outcome” is used to describe the result after contingencies are resolved.

Examples: “If you keep practicing, you will eventually improve.” “The project eventually reached completion after several delays.”