event
gb/ɪvˈɛnt/ us/ɪvˈɛnt/
A2
English
~ 500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
event
1
something that happens
Something that happens, especially something important.
Usage pattern:
an [adjective] event
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'event' with 'activity'. An event is usually bigger or more notable than an activity.
Synonyms
occurrence (A slightly more formal word for something that happens; less emphasis on importance.)
Antonyms
nonoccurrence (Refers to something not happening at all.)
Collocations
major event
|special event
|public event
|historic event
|sporting event
Themes
daily life
|news
|culture
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The wedding was the biggest event of the year.
- The company is hosting a special event for its customers.
- Winning the award was a life-changing event for her.
- The concert turned out to be a major event in the city.
- The festival is an annual event that attracts tourists from around the world.
Learner examples
- The school has a big event every summer.
- This is an important event for our town.
- We went to a music event last night.
- The sports event starts at 3 p.m.
- It was the happiest event in my life.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
2
possible outcome in probability
In math or computers, something that can happen as part of a process or test.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with the everyday meaning of 'event', not realizing it has a precise technical definition here.
Synonyms
incident (Sometimes used in computing contexts, though can imply unexpectedness.)
Antonyms
impossibility (Something that cannot happen in the given context.)
Collocations
event space
|trigger an event
|random event
Themes
science
|technology
Examples
- In probability theory, rolling an even number is an example of an event.
- The program waits for a user input event before continuing.
- Each click of the mouse triggers an event in the software.
Learner examples
- In math, getting heads is an event when you flip a coin.
- Clicking the button is an event in the program.
- Rolling a six is an event in this game.
Noun
B1
event
3
competition or contest segment
One game or activity in a sports competition.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'event' with 'sport' — an event is one part of a sport competition, not the whole sport.
Synonyms
contest (General term for a competitive activity; not limited to sports.)
Antonyms
practice (Non-competitive activity meant for training.)
Collocations
track event
|swimming event
|main event
Themes
sports
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- She won gold in the 100-meter sprint event.
- The high jump is his best event.
- The boxing match was billed as the main event of the evening.
Learner examples
- The 100-meter run is my favorite event.
- He will join the swimming events tomorrow.
- This is the last event of the competition.
Grammar
Dictionary form
event
IPA
GB/ɪvˈɛnt/
US/ɪvˈɛnt/
Syllables & stress
event (1 syllable)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: event
- Plural: events
Word family
Expressions
in any event
1/ˈɪn ˈɛni ɪvˈɛnt/
fixed phrase
no matter what happens
Used to say that something will be true or happen no matter what else happens.
Examples
- In any event, we should be prepared for delays.
- The meeting might be canceled, but in any event, we will inform everyone.
in the event
1/ˈɪn ðə ɪvˈɛnt/
fixed phrase
as it actually happened
Used to say what really happened, often different from what was expected.
Examples
- We thought we would lose, but in the event, we won easily.
- I planned to call him, but in the event, he called me first.
in the event of [something]
1/ˈɪn ðə ɪvˈɛnt əv sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
if something happens
Used to say what should be done if something happens.
Examples
- In the event of fire, use the stairs instead of the elevator.
- In the event of heavy rain, the match will be postponed.