What it's NOT
eventual does NOT translate to eventual (temporal).
To say "eventual (temporal)" in English, use temporary / occasional.
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False cognate · False friend
eventual
Does NOT mean eventual (temporal)
It means final / ultimate
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
eventual means final / ultimate.
Why it's confused
Spanish "eventual" describes something that might happen or that's temporary and uncertain. English "eventual" is something that will certainly happen at the end of a process. The certainty in English contrasts with the uncertainty in Spanish.
How it's pronounced
eventuali-VÉN-chual
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Examples of correct use
English
The eventual winner was a surprise.
Spanish
El ganador final fue una sorpresa.
English
Their eventual goal is to expand.
Spanish
Su objetivo final es expandirse.
A trick to remember it
Eventual = final/ultimate. Temporary/occasional (Spanish "eventual") = temporary/occasional.
Mini quiz
"The eventual outcome" is the outcome that is...
Frequently asked questions
What does "eventual" mean in English?
"Eventual" means "final / ultimate". It looks a lot like "eventual", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "eventual" in English?
To say "eventual" in English, use "temporary / occasional". If you use "eventual" instead, you would actually be saying "final / ultimate".
Do "eventual" and "eventual" mean the same thing?
Spanish "eventual" describes something that might happen or that's temporary and uncertain. English "eventual" is something that will certainly happen at the end of a process. The certainty in English contrasts with the uncertainty in Spanish.
Other confusing false friends
More confusing false friends
Library, embarrassed, actually... the full list of words that look the same but mean something different.
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