éventuellement

fr
en
Change language
Translating...
possibly, potentially, if necessary, if appropriate, as circumstances require
Find language
العربية الفصحى
Arabic (Standard)
Deutsch
German
Español
Spanish
Français
French
Italiano
Italian
/e.vɑ̃.tɥɛl.mɑ̃/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
An adverb that makes an action dependent on possibility or circumstances, with a regional time-based extension.
Practice using éventuellement in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Contactez éventuellement un avocat si le problème persiste.
    If necessary, contact a lawyer if the problem persists.
  • Nous pourrons éventuellement reporter la réunion.
    We may possibly postpone the meeting.
  • Il a éventuellement compris pourquoi nous étions partis.
    He eventually understood why we had left.
  • Ajoutez éventuellement un peu de citron.
    If desired, add a little lemon.
  • Ils se sont éventuellement installés à Montréal.
    They eventually settled in Montreal.

Similar words

au besoin
tôt ou tard
possiblement
le cas échéant
peut-être
s'il y a lieu
par la suite
à terme
enfin
finalement

Meanings

Possibly or if appropriate

adverb
everyday
neutral
Indicates that something may happen or may be useful if circumstances allow or require it. It commonly corresponds to 'possibly', 'potentially', or 'if necessary', not to English 'eventually'.

Examples

  • Nous pourrons éventuellement reporter la réunion.
    We may possibly postpone the meeting.
  • Ajoutez éventuellement un peu de citron.
    If desired, add a little lemon.
  • Elle viendra éventuellement nous aider ce soir.
    She may possibly come and help us tonight.
  • Le traitement pourra éventuellement être prolongé.
    The treatment may potentially be extended.
  • Contactez éventuellement un avocat si le problème persiste.
    If necessary, contact a lawyer if the problem persists.

Similar words

peut-être
possiblement
le cas échéant
s'il y a lieu
au besoin
selon les circonstances

Eventually or in the end in Quebec French

adverb
regional
informal
In some Quebec usage, means that something happens later or in the end. This sense reflects English influence and is widely understood, but the Office québécois de la langue française advises using finalement, plus tard, or à terme in careful French.

Examples

  • Au Québec, on entend parfois : Il a éventuellement trouvé un emploi.
    In Quebec, one sometimes hears: He eventually found a job.
  • Après plusieurs essais, elle a éventuellement réussi.
    After several attempts, she eventually succeeded.
  • Ils se sont éventuellement installés à Montréal.
    They eventually settled in Montreal.
  • Le projet a éventuellement obtenu le financement nécessaire.
    The project eventually obtained the necessary funding.
  • Il a éventuellement compris pourquoi nous étions partis.
    He eventually understood why we had left.

Similar words

finalement
enfin
à terme
tôt ou tard
en fin de compte
par la suite

Etymology

Formed in the eighteenth century from French éventuel, ultimately related to Latin eventus ('outcome, event'), with the adverbial suffix -ment.

FAQ

What does éventuellement mean?

It usually means 'possibly', 'potentially', or 'if necessary': the action depends on circumstances and may not happen.

Does éventuellement mean 'eventually'?

Not in standard careful French. English 'eventually' is usually finalement, à terme, plus tard, or en fin de compte.

How is éventuellement used in Quebec?

Some Quebec speakers use it for 'eventually' or 'in the end' under English influence. The use is attested but officially discouraged in careful language.

Where does éventuellement go in a sentence?

It can modify the whole clause or sit near the verb: Éventuellement, nous partirons demain and Nous partirons éventuellement demain are both possible, with context guiding emphasis.

Is éventuellement formal?

Its standard possibility sense is neutral and appears in conversation, administration, journalism, and technical writing.

Is éventuellement variable?

No. It is an adverb and never changes for gender or number.

How is éventuellement pronounced?

The standard metropolitan pronunciation is /e.vɑ̃.tɥɛl.mɑ̃/.

What is the difference between éventuellement and finalement?

Éventuellement presents something as possible or conditional, whereas finalement states what happened in the end.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...