scenario

American  

[si-nair-ee-oh, -nahr-] / sɪˈnɛər iˌoʊ, -ˈnɑr- /

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

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scenario British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• scenarist noun

Etymology

Origin of scenario

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

Example Sentences

Winkleman added that cruise lines typically have a long list of clauses in their passenger contracts that address any number of scenarios, from changing itineraries with little notice to, yes, imposing a fuel surcharge.

From MarketWatch

When Gleick wrote his dissertation at UC Berkeley in the 1980s, he examined a range of climate scenarios and analyzed how rising temperatures would likely change the timing of runoff in Northern California.

From Los Angeles Times

That scenario was happening outside of major cities "all across the UK really", she said.

From BBC

In theory, that limits the scenarios in which banks take a hit to only very severe and rapid losses among the underlying loans.

From The Wall Street Journal

In such a scenario, real yields would likely fall, providing support for gold, they add.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• plot
• scheme