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

The Victoria Cross recipient, released on bail on Friday, said he was "proud of my service in Afghanistan", and would use the charges against him as an opportunity to "finally" clear his name.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

When he was finally set free, the man was booted onto the street with no passport, driver’s license or other personal effects.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

And finally, the courts confirmed what we all knew: Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster are screwing everyone over.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

Arun Mathai, budget officer and head of finance, has also been with the museum for 20 years and said it’s exciting to finally be on the other side of the project.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

I know because I finally rescued that darn journal from the bottom of my bag and wrote it down.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

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