final
final
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "final" is /ˈfaɪ.nəl/.
fi: /ˈfaɪ/
nal: /nəl/
Word Form Variations
Adjective: final
Noun: final (singular), finals (plural)
Adverb: finally
Verb: finalize (base form), finalizes (third person singular present), finalized (past tense, past participle), finalizing (present participle)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Final
Coming at the end of a series; last in sequence.
Synonyms: last, ultimate, conclusive, conclusive, concluding, terminal
Antonyms: first, initial, introductory, preliminary, opening
Constituting the last stage of a process, decision, or development; definitive and not subject to change.
Synonyms: definitive, conclusive, irreversible, binding, settled, ultimate
Antonyms: provisional, temporary, pending, unsettled, preliminary
Noun
Final
The last game or match in a competition that decides the winner.
Synonyms: championship, ultimate game, decisive match
Antonyms: preliminary round, semifinal, heat
A last examination at the end of a course of study.
Synonyms: examination, exam, assessment, test
Antonyms: midterm, quiz, preliminary test
Adverb
Finally
After a long delay, at last.
Synonyms: at last, eventually, ultimately, in the end
Antonyms: initially, firstly, immediately, at first
In conclusion; to sum up.
Synonyms: lastly, in conclusion, ultimately, conclusively
Antonyms: firstly, initially, to begin with
Verb
Finalize
To complete (something that has been planned or prepared); to bring to a finished or conclusive state.
Synonyms: complete, conclude, finish, settle, seal, resolve
Antonyms: begin, initiate, start, open, postpone
Examples of Use
Books
Academic Texts: Textbooks often have a "final chapter" or "final review section." A science book might discuss "the final stage of a chemical reaction."
Fiction: Novels build towards a "final confrontation" or a character's "final decision." "The hero prepared for the final battle against his nemesis."
Self-help/Business: These books might discuss reaching the "final steps" of a plan or making a "final commitment to a goal."
Newspapers
Sports Sections: Newspapers widely report on "final scores," "final games" in a championship series, or teams reaching the "finals" of a tournament. "The Lakers won the NBA Finals in a thrilling game 7" (ESPN, June 2025).
News Articles: Journalists report on a "final vote" on legislation or a "final ruling" by a court. "The committee submitted its final report on the investigation" (The Wall Street Journal, July 2025).
Business Sections: Articles often discuss companies making a "final offer" in a merger or the "final quarter" of the fiscal year.
Online Publications
E-commerce: When purchasing online, customers proceed to a "final checkout" page or see a "final price" including taxes and shipping.
Educational Platforms: Online courses often conclude with a "final exam" or a "final project." Universities publish "final grades" at the end of semesters.
News Websites: Breaking news often provides "a final update" on a developing story.
Social Media: Users might post about reaching the "final episode" of a TV series or share their "final thoughts" on a topic. "Just made my final payment on my student loan!"
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: The climax of a story is often referred to as the "final act" or "final showdown." A TV series might air its "final season" or "final episode."
Video Games: Games often feature a "final boss" or a "final level" to complete. Players might reach the "final stage" of a challenge.
Music: Albums might include a "final track" or artists might announce their "final tour."
Sports Broadcasts: Commentators regularly announce the "final score" of a game or discuss the implications of a "final play."
Reality TV: Competition shows build suspense towards the "final challenge" or the "final elimination."
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly say, "This is my final offer," or "I'm making my final preparations." "The final decision is up to you."
Workplace: Colleagues discuss a "final draft" of a document, a "final review" before launch, or the "final deadline." "We need a final approval before proceeding."
Education: Students prepare for their "finals" (final exams). Teachers remind students of the "final submission date."
Travel: Travelers might announce, "This is our final boarding call."
Figurative Use: Phrases like "final straw" (the last in a series of irritating events) are common. "That rude comment was the final straw."
10 Quotes Using Final
"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality." (Martin Luther King, Jr.)
"America must not ignore the threat gathering against us. Facing clear evidence of peril, we cannot wait for the final proof, the smoking gun that could come in the form of a mushroom cloud." (George W. Bush)
"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed." (Dwight D. Eisenhower)
"Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat." (F. Scott Fitzgerald)
"Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts." (John Wooden)
"The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul." (Johann Sebastian Bach)
"The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure criticism without resentment." (Elbert Hubbard)
"In a closed society where everybody's guilty, the only crime is getting caught. In a world of thieves, the only final sin is stupidity." (Hunter S. Thompson)
"We are not final because we are infallible, but we are infallible only because we are final." (Robert Jackson)
"Forgiveness is the final form of love." (Reinhold Niebuhr)
Etymology
The word "final" comes from the Latin word "fīnālis," which means "of or belonging to the end," or "last." This is directly related to "fīnis," meaning "end," "boundary," or "limit."
The first known use of "final" in English, with the meaning of "last in a series" or "concluding," dates back to the late 14th century. It appeared in texts to describe something at its ultimate point or end, directly reflecting its Latin origin.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Final
Final answer: A definitive decision or response, especially one that cannot be changed (popularized by game shows). "Is that your final answer?"
Final blow: The decisive action or event that causes something to fail or end. "The unexpected lawsuit was the final blow to the struggling company."
Final count: The total number or result after all calculations or votes are tallied. "The final count showed a clear victory."
Final destination: The ultimate place one is traveling to or the ultimate outcome. "Their final destination was the summit of the mountain."
Final hurdle: The last obstacle or difficulty to overcome before achieving a goal. "Passing the interview was her final hurdle to getting the job."
Final straw: The last in a series of annoying or unpleasant events that makes one lose patience. "That rude comment was the final straw; I walked out."
Final touches: The last small improvements or additions made to something. "We're just putting the final touches on the presentation."
Final stretch: The last part of a race, task, or journey. "We're in the final stretch of the project before the deadline."
Final word: The definitive statement or decision on a matter. "The CEO will have the final word on the merger."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of final from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
