Basic Details
Word: Inevitably
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: In a way that cannot be avoided or prevented; as was certain to happen.
Synonyms: unavoidably, certainly, invariably
How to Spell Inevitably
Syllables: in - ev - i - ta - bly
Tricky part: After in- comes ev, then i, then -tably with an a. Students write -tibly or double the n.
Watch out for: inevitibly, innevitably, inevitabley
Memory tip: Evitable is a rare word meaning avoidable. In + evitable means not avoidable, and then -ably follows the able you already have.
Usage Examples
Example 1: Whenever the power goes off in May, the talk inevitably turns to the heat.
Example 2: The match went into extra time and, inevitably, the tired players began making mistakes.
Example 3: Prices inevitably rise before Diwali.
Fun Fact
Vitare, Latin for to shun, sits inside inevitable; the Romans used inevitabilis for things such as death that no one can escape.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Fill in the missing letters to complete the word:
in_vit_bly
a) i, a
b) e, i
c) e, a
d) a, a
Show answer
c) e, a. The word is in + evit + ably, so the gaps take e and the a of -ably.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word inevitably as used in the sentence:
Leave milk outside on a hot afternoon and it will inevitably turn sour.
a) suddenly
b) unavoidably
c) politely
d) rarely
Show answer
b) unavoidably. Milk left in the heat goes sour every time, so unavoidably is the closest meaning.
Spell-o-Spell
Only one of these words is spelt correctly. Choose its meaning:
1. ultimatly 2. eventualy 3. certainley 4. inevitably
a) in a way that cannot be avoided
b) without any doubt
c) in the end, after a long time
d) finally, at the most basic level
Show answer
a) in a way that cannot be avoided. Eventually has two l's, ultimately keeps the e of ultimate, and certainly has no e before y.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. 'The ice cream inevitably melted in the sun' means ____.
a) it never melted
b) it was bound to melt
c) it melted very slowly
d) it melted by surprise
Show answer
b) it was bound to melt
2. 'Inevitably, it rained on Sports Day' suggests that ____.
a) Sports Day was held indoors
b) the rain was expected and came as feared
c) the rain was a happy surprise
d) it hardly ever rains in that town
Show answer
b) the rain was expected and came as feared
