Definition

1. Noun:
   • A postulated sequence of possible events: A description of a possible future situation or a set of actions that could happen, often used for planning or analysis.
   • A setting for a work of art or literature: The time, place, and circumstances in which the action of a play, film, or novel occurs.
   • An outline or synopsis of a play or literary work: A written plan that describes the main events and structure of a dramatic or narrative work.

Examples of Usage

• As a postulated sequence:
  • Economists developed a worst-case scenario for the recession.
  • In the event of a power outage, the emergency scenario involves using backup generators.
• As a setting:
  • The film's scenario is a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
  • The novel places its romantic scenario in 19th-century Paris.
• As an outline:
  • The writer submitted a detailed scenario for the new television series.
  • Before filming begins, the director and producer must approve the scenario.

Advanced Usage

• "Worst-case scenario": The most serious or unpleasant possible future situation.
  • We must prepare for the worst-case scenario where the deal falls through.
• "Best-case scenario": The most favorable or optimistic possible future situation.
  • In the best-case scenario, we will finish the project ahead of schedule.
• "Scenario planning": A strategic planning method used to make flexible long-term plans by considering multiple possible future events.
  • The company's resilience is due to its rigorous scenario planning.

Variants and Related Words

• Scenarist (noun): A person who writes scenarios, especially for films.
  • The famous scenarist was hired to draft the screenplay.
• Scenic (adjective): Relating to natural scenery; picturesque. (Note: This is related to 'scene' rather than directly to 'scenario' in its narrative sense).

Synonyms

• Situation: A set of circumstances in which one finds oneself.
• Outline: A general description or plan showing the essential features of something.
• Plot: The main events of a play, novel, film, or similar work.

Related Phrases

• Play out a scenario: To act out or imagine a sequence of events.
  • Let's play out this scenario to see where the problems might arise.
• Base on a scenario: To use a described sequence of events as a foundation for something.
  • The training exercise was based on a hostage scenario.

Related Idioms

• "It's a likely scenario": Used to indicate that a described future event is probable.
  • Given the current economic data, a slowdown is a likely scenario.
• "Explore every scenario": To consider all possible future situations.
  • A good leader explores every scenario before making a decision.

Noun

1. a postulated sequence of possible events
   • planners developed several scenarios in case of an attack
2. a setting for a work of art or literature
   • the scenario is France during the Reign of Terror
3. an outline or synopsis of a play (or, by extension, of a literary work)