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

We take it day by day, week by week, like adults who have finally accepted that certainty is an illusion.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

“It felt like finally waking up from a bad dream,” she tells Charlie.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

A WSJ poll projects that consumer price growth held at 1.3% on the year last month, while producer prices finally swung back into the green after more than three years in negative territory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Wilkinson sees her stacked roster of current listings as proof that learning the real estate ropes and sticking with it is finally paying off.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

“I know what you’re thinking,” he finally says.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

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