finally

American  

[fahyn-l-ee] / ˈfaɪn l i /

adverb

1. at the final point or moment; in the end.

2. in a final manner; conclusively or decisively.

3. at last; eventually; after considerable delay.

   After three tries, he finally passed his driving test.

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finally British  

/ ˈfaɪnəlɪ /

adverb

1. after a long delay; at last; eventually

2. at the end or final point; lastly

3. completely; conclusively; irrevocably

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1. in the end; lastly

   finally, he put his tie on

2. as the last or final point: linking what follows with the previous statements, as in a speech or argument

Etymology

Origin of finally

First recorded in 1325–75; final + -ly

Example Sentences

The crowd responded with increasing fervour as she worked her way through favourites such as Conceited, D£aler, One Thing, You Noticed - and, finally, the hit.

From BBC

And if they do finally claim that elusive Premier League crown, Arsenal will believe this is the ultimate answer to their growing band of detractors.

From BBC

It took 25 days for officials to finally confirm that he was inside El Helicoide, and only then was she allowed to take him clothes, medicine and bed sheets.

From BBC

For a moment then, too, it had seemed that world powers might finally intervene to stop the endless suffering.

From BBC

Software stocks are finally making a tentative comeback after being pummeled by fears that artificial intelligence could siphon business away.

From Barron's

Related Words

• already
• belatedly
• eventually
• someday
• sooner or later
• subsequently
• ultimately