finally

[fahyn-l-ee]

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.

finally

/ ˈfaɪnəlɪ /

adverb

1. after a long delay; at last; eventually

2. at the end or final point; lastly

3. completely; conclusively; irrevocably

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of finally¹

First recorded in 1325–75; final + -ly

Example Sentences

It was only when Israeli forces finally withdrew that Hadeel was reunited with her husband, fragile but alive.

From BBC

Someone finally barks “Get him!” as a bunch of agents feebly give chase; the man pedals away like he’s a Tour de France champion with a peloton hot on his trail.

From Los Angeles Times

When she finally was moved up, the lawsuit said, rumors began circulating within the department that she’d been promoted because she brought her baby to a department workshop to “evoke sympathy.”

From Los Angeles Times

It took a while, but this Senate hearing finally gave some indication of that.

From BBC

Two Austrian women, who were switched at birth at a hospital in the southern city of Graz have finally met each other 35 years later.

From BBC

Related Words

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