inevitable

Everyday

1. Certain to happen; impossible to avoid or stop. tree →
2. (informal) So usual or expected that everyone knows it will come: the inevitable rain on sports day. tree →

In the lessons

In science and maths, some outcomes are inevitable (the Sun will set; a dropped ball falls). In probability, an inevitable event is «certain». In stories, an inevitable ending is one the reader sees coming. In everyday humour: «the inevitable question: are we there yet?» Phrases: it was inevitable that, the inevitable, delay the inevitable.

Examples

• It was inevitable that the ice cream would melt in the sun. tree →
• Getting older is inevitable. tree →
• With no revision, failing the test was almost inevitable. tree →
• On the long car trip came the inevitable question: «Are we there yet?» tree →
• Change is inevitable, so learn to adapt. tree →
• They delayed the inevitable by hiding the broken vase. tree →
• Cronus was so enraged at being circumvented that war between the father and son became inevitable. tree →

Note

Pronounced in-EV-it-uh-bul. In maths probability, inevitable = certain = probability 1. Careful: many things people call inevitable are only likely.