finally

[fahyn-l-ee]

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.

finally

/ ˈfaɪnəlɪ /

adverb

1. after a long delay; at last; eventually

2. at the end or final point; lastly

3. completely; conclusively; irrevocably

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of finally¹

First recorded in 1325–75; final + -ly

Example Sentences

As a result, I have finally broken the habit of working until the last possible moment of the day, when I am suddenly so hungry and cranky that I absolutely can’t work another minute.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

After years of active addiction and struggle, I finally found recovery through rehab and working the 12 steps.

Read more on Salon

A run of 11 consecutive breaks of serve swung the momentum like a pendulum but it was Gauff who finally held serve in game seven of the second set en route to an 82-minute victory.

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While people were happy there was “finally some accountability” with the arrest, she said, conversations in the Palisades quickly turned to: “Had the city been prepared, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When these finally did get close to the burning areas, there were no escort vehicles to take them into the neighborhoods, according to Los Angeles Fire Department’s “after action” report released this week.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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