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eventually
/ɪˈvɛn.tʃu.ə.li/
at some later time
I will finish my homework eventually.
This means I will complete it at some point in the future, though the exact time is uncertain.
neutral
at some unspecified time in the future
She will arrive eventually, so we should wait.
She will come at some later time, so patience is needed.
The problem will be solved eventually.
The issue will be resolved at some point, though not immediately.
Used to indicate a future event that is expected but not time-bound. Often implies a sense of inevitability or gradual progress.
Collocations
eventually becometo gradually change into a stateeventually realizeto gradually understand or acknowledgeeventually findto discover something after some time
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: Confusing 'eventually' with 'possibly'
'Eventually' implies a definite future occurrence, while 'possibly' refers to uncertainty. Compare: 'She will eventually recover' (certain future) vs. 'She may possibly recover' (uncertain).
Gold Rule
Future-Oriented Only
Use 'eventually' exclusively for events that will happen in the future, not for present or past events.
Word Origin
From Latin *eventualis*, meaning 'pertaining to an outcome', derived from *eventus* (outcome, result). Entered English in the 16th century with the sense of 'occurring at some time in the future'.
Usage Notes
Avoid using 'eventually' to mean 'possibly' or 'perhaps'—it specifically refers to a future time, not probability. Common in both spoken and written English across all registers.
Word Breakdown
event
outcome or result
root-ual
pertaining to
suffix-ly
in the manner of
suffixEnglish Dictionary