Inevitable

Definition

Certain to happen and unable to be avoided or prevented.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪˈnɛvɪtəbəl/
• Respelling: in-NEV-i-tuh-buhl (with "in" as in "tin," "NEV" as in "never," "i" as in "sit," "tuh" as in "sofa," and "buhl" as in "trouble")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪˈnɛvɪtəbəl/
• Respelling: in-NEV-i-tuh-buhl (with "in" as in "tin," "NEV" as in "never," "i" as in "sit," "tuh" as in "sofa," and "buhl" as in "trouble")

In both dialects, "inevitable" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "NEV." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "in-NEV-i-tuh-buhl."

Etymology

Derived from Latin "inevitabilis", from "in-" ("not") + "evitabilis" ("avoidable"), from "evitare" ("to avoid").

Derivatives

• Inevitably (adverb)
• Inevitability (noun)
• Inevitableness (noun)
• Inevitabilities (noun, plural)
• Non-inevitable (adjective)

Synonyms

• Unavoidable
• Inescapable
• Foregone

Antonyms

• Avoidable
• Uncertain
• Preventable

Usage

"Inevitable" is often used to describe events or outcomes that are certain to occur and cannot be prevented. It is commonly found in discussions about fate, destiny, and deterministic processes.

Related Terms

• Destiny
• Fate
• Certainty
• Predetermined
• Imminent

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Inevitable (Adjective, General): Certain to happen; unavoidable.
  • Example: "Death is an inevitable part of life."

• Inevitable (Adjective, Contextual): Describing something that is bound to occur, especially after certain events or actions.
  • Example: "Given the current economic trends, a recession seems inevitable."

Note: "Inevitable" is most commonly used in contexts where an outcome is seen as pre-determined due to preceding events or circumstances. It implies that, given the same conditions, the outcome would always be the same.