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

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

The revisions proposed Thursday, spearheaded by the Federal Reserve, would finally implement the Basel accords.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We always knew our plushie toy collection was lifelike, but it seems we finally got the ultimate seal of approval," store manager Liam Bloomfield said.

From Barron's

The victim, who is now a young adult, was finally identified and contacted after researchers saw a picture of her school uniform.

From BBC

Related Words

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