inevitably

English

Etymology

inevitable +‎ -ly

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation, US) IPA^(key): /ɪˈnɛvɪtəbli/, /ɪˈnɛvətəbli/

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Adverb

inevitably (not comparable)

1. In a manner that is impossible to avoid or prevent.

   Inevitably, all creatures eventually die.

   The sun inevitably rises.

   Despite the town's best efforts, the dam inevitably gave way.

   The inevitably cold winter approaches.

   • 1960 June, “Diesel locomotive operation on the Great Eastern Line”, in Trains Illustrated, page 374:

     In a period of transition from steam to diesel, many of the schemes are inevitably of an interim nature and only on full dieselisation will the final pattern be determined and full benefit derived.

2. As usual; predictably; as expected.

   Inevitably, the next-door neighbour began to mow his lawn just as she lays down her head after a long night shift.

   The child inevitably began to cry when his mother went to work.

   The inevitably long line of customers queued for the latest 'Harry Potter'.

Synonyms

• (in a manner that is impossible to avoid): certainly, inexorably, unavoidably, necessarily
• (as usual): always, predictably, regularly

Antonyms

• (antonym(s) of “in a manner that is impossible to avoid”): evitably, avoidably, impossibly, incidentally
• (antonym(s) of “as usual”): unexpectedly, unusually

Related terms

• inevitability
• inevitable

Translations

References

• “inevitably”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.