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

Explanation

Finally means "at the end of a long wait." Although it seemed like it would never end, and in the middle you were cursing the day you signed up for the marathon, when you finally finished, you were overjoyed. Final means "last," so use the adverb finally to describe an end result or long-awaited satisfaction. Once the tedious dinner party was over, you finally got to go home and watch TV. If you're giving a speech and you have 14 different points that you're going to make, when you get to the last one, say "finally..." and then make the point. You can also say "in conclusion..." if that last point really sums it all up.

Example Sentences

Finally, older bodies don’t respond to inflammation as well as younger bodies, says Dr. Prathap Jayaram, a University of Michigan sports medicine doctor.

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

Finally, I always linger by the discount produce section, where mesh bags of slightly bruised or cosmetically wonky fruits and vegetables wait in cheerful little piles.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

Finally, well into middle age, I stopped caring about getting married and focused on how good my life as a single woman was.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Finally, think of the 10% in your money market fund as an insurance policy in the unlikely event that the S&P 500 stays down for more than a year.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Finally our wagon was in a row with others, down the hill into town.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

Related Words

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