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

No spoilers, but it’s no coincidence that “Here I Come” finally gets more interesting once it tires of hide and seek.

From Los Angeles Times

In recent years, American diners have finally taken full stock of the dark-meat cut.

From The Wall Street Journal

Six years into a major property-market correction intended to reshape China’s economy entirely, economists watch keenly for any signs China may finally be emerging into a new, more stable normal.

From The Wall Street Journal

Because that static I mentioned earlier—the low, persistent hum that had been building since the holidays—is finally gone.

From Salon

Watching “Reminders of Him” and shedding a few tears during the inevitable scene where Kenna finally meets her daughter, I was reminded of just how cloying the experience of watching “Hamnet” was.

From Salon

Related Words

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