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

Just as in the Seal Team Six scenario, the president’s pardon power is also plenary, so there’s no exposure there either.

From Salon

Only one of those scenarios feels like freedom to me.

From Los Angeles Times

When they were not there to greet him on his return to Israel, he broke down as he realised "the worst scenario happened".

From BBC

Here are four scenarios for how that might play out.

From BBC

Many will argue with their conclusions, but their impeccable research and clear-cut cause-and-effect scenarios might at least spur actionable change.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• plot 
• scheme