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

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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

See Examples For:

finally

The cooler temperatures are coming from a long-anticipated offshore pattern that is finally swinging onshore, forecasters with the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 12, 2026

“My friend, who’s an actor in New York, said, ‘Oh, my God, finally a really talented actor stole a job from AI,’ ” McClure said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 12, 2026

Imagine a scenario when Anderson finally call it quits and the stars align for a farewell appearance in front of a full house at The Oval.

From BBC ● Nov. 12, 2026

With the medications finally entered, the counselor began the time-consuming task of comparing Part D plans, including Humana Basic Rx Plan and Blue MedicareRx Value Plus, along with their star ratings.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 12, 2026

After sticking around to watch Jonah win his race, the three of us — that is, he, I, and the lizard — finally find a game that I think I can win.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

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Related Words

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

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