scenario

[si-nair-ee-oh, -nahr-]

noun

plural

scenarios 

1. an outline of the plot of a dramatic work, giving particulars as to the scenes, characters, situations, etc.

2. the outline or the manuscript of a motion picture or television program, giving the action in the order in which it takes place, the description of scenes and characters, etc.

3. an imagined or projected sequence of events, especially any of several detailed plans or possibilities.

   One scenario calls for doubling profits by increasing our advertising, the other by reducing costs.

   Synonyms: sketch, concept, plan, scheme

scenario

/ sɪˈnɑːrɪˌəʊ, sɪˈnɑː-, ˈsiːnərɪst /

noun

1. a summary of the plot of a play, etc, including information about its characters, scenes, etc

2. a predicted sequence of events

   let's try another scenario, involving the demise of democracy

Other Word Forms

• scenarist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scenario¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from Italian, from Latin scaenārium, scēnārium, noun use of scaenārius, scēnārius “belonging to the stage, theatrical,” from scaen(a), scēn(a) “background, stage, theater” ( scene ) + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of scenario¹

C19: via Italian from Latin scēnārium, from scēna; see _scene

Example Sentences

You are jumping to a worst-case scenario because this lawsuit is delaying your distributions.

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When Nonthavan died, Dis mulled over different scenarios, replaying events in his mind over and over.

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This was “a nightmare scenario,” said a firefighter with the park, who also spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.

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At Hollywood Career College’s self-defense class, Gold demonstrated potential scenarios.

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In that scenario, he won’t need to lie, cheat or steal to win a third term in office.

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Related Words

• plot 
• scheme