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

I had so much built-up anxiety about facing my own numbers, but seeing my boyfriend lay his cards on the table gave me the courage to finally log in and look at mine.

From MarketWatch

“Diving into the real estate world finally,” Mortensen wrote on Instagram in December 2024 alongside a picture of his professional headshot.

From Los Angeles Times

He said he would like his body to undergo terramation, when his time finally comes.

From BBC

It is still a realistic one, too, with Newcastle just four points off seventh place as a relentless schedule finally eases.

From BBC

"Now 36 years later, they finally pulled themselves together... and its cancelled again," said McMahon, who was due to be presenting.

From Barron's

Related Words

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