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

A year ago, PSG had ended a decade of expensive frustration by finally turning more than $2 billion of Qatari investment in players into its first ever Champions League crown.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

And finally, they’ll examine why the UK and Europe are still so resistant to air conditioning despite being plagued by deadly heatwaves.

From Slate • May 30, 2026

“I have dreamed about owning a team in Europe for a long time, to finally have this happen is amazing,” Doncic said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

But by 2030, Jiang says, the company could have no net debt, finally freeing up all that money that had been spent on its past mistakes.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

Lloyd thrashed in the black water and finally found his feet.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

Related Words

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