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

“After this week’s employment and inflation data, it is starting to look like the elusive soft landing may finally happen,” said Harvard University economist Jason Furman, in a post on X.

From MarketWatch

After days and weeks of gloomy skies and relentless rain for some, there has finally been a change to our weather in the United Kingdom.

From BBC

An aggressive FDA crackdown may finally rein in mass GLP-1 compounding, but history suggests this is only a bridge to a different kind of disruption.

From The Wall Street Journal

Lindsey Vonn says she is "finally feeling" more like herself but will require at least two more operations on the broken leg she sustained in a crash at the Winter Olympics on Sunday.

From BBC

"I'm finally feeling more like myself but I have a long long way to go," said a visibly drained Vonn in a video on Instagram.

From Barron's

Related Words

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