Definition of: event

(i·vent′) noun
1. Anything that happens or comes to pass.
2. The result or outcome of any action.
3. A contingent occurrence or state of things.
4. One incident in a series, as of games.
5. Philos. Anything that occurs, usually manifesting changes and lasting only a relatively short time: thus opposed to object, which endures. [<OF <L eventus <e- out + venire come]
—e·vent′less adjective Synonyms: case, chance, circumstance, consequence, contingency, end, episode, fact, fortune, incident, issue, occurrence, outcome, possibility, result, sequel. Etymologically, the incident is that which falls in, the event that which comes out; event is thus greater and more signal than incident; we speak of trifling incidents, great events; incidents of daily life, events of history. Circumstance agrees with incident in denoting a matter of relatively slight importance, but implies a more direct connection with the principal matter as indicated in the phrase "circumstantial evidence." An occurrence is, etymologically, that which we run against, without thought of its origin, connection, or tendency. An episode is connected with the main course of events, like an incident or circumstance, but is of more independent interest and importance. Outcome is the Saxon, and event the Latin for expressing the same original idea. Consequence and result express more of logical connection, and are more comprehensive. The end may be simple cessation; the event is what has been accomplished; the event of a war is victory or defeat; the end of the war is reached when a treaty of peace is signed. Since the future is contingent, event comes to have the meaning of a contingency; as, In the event of his death, the policy will at once fall due. Compare CIRCUMSTANCE, CONSEQUENCE, END.