scenario

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

noun

, plural sce·nar·i·os.

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

Derived 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

In two public surveys conducted as part of the research, Keserű said, participants were outraged and felt exploited in scenarios where their health data were sold for a profit without their knowledge.

From Los Angeles Times

"Whether it's possible to have integrated scenarios that maintain a high-grade fusion plasma with these specific flows of excess fuel and ash from the plasma needs to be determined," Schwartz said.

From Science Daily

"We felt these four diet scenarios gave us a good variation of diet types from low meat to higher quantities of meat and dairy while also maintaining cultural relevance," noted DeCesaro.

From Science Daily

The most likely scenario seemed to be that I had an aggressive glioblastoma, a tumour which typically ends your life within 12 to 18 months.

From BBC

That scenario, which is reportedly being considered by Trump and his inner circle, is not without its own issues.

From Salon

Related Words

• plot
• scheme