finally
finally
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "finally" is /ˈfaɪ.nəl.i/.
fi: /ˈfaɪ/
nal: /nəl/
ly: /i/
Word Form Variations
Adverb: finally
Adjective: final
Noun: final (singular), finals (plural)
Verb: finalize (base form), finalizes (third person singular present), finalized (past tense, past participle), finalizing (present participle)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Finally
After a long delay, at last; indicating the end of a series of events or actions. 🏁
Synonyms: at last, eventually, ultimately, in the end, ultimately, ultimately, ultimately
Antonyms: initially, firstly, at first, immediately, originally
In conclusion; to sum up what has been said or written.
Synonyms: lastly, in conclusion, ultimately, conclusively, ultimately
Antonyms: firstly, initially, to begin with, first and foremost
Examples of Use
Books
Fiction: Authors use "finally" to mark the resolution of a plot or a long-awaited event. "After years of searching, she finally found her lost family." A character might "finally understand the mystery."
Non-fiction (Self-help/Business): These books often discuss achieving goals "finally." "You can finally reach your financial freedom with these steps" (HarperBusiness, October 2023). Academic texts use "finally" to introduce a concluding point in an argument.
Newspapers
News Articles: Journalists report on events that have occurred after a delay or a conclusive development. "The new bridge project has finally been approved after years of debate" (The Daily Herald, June 2025). A verdict might be announced as "finally reached by the jury."
Sports Sections: A reporter might write, "The team finally broke their losing streak with a decisive win" (ESPN, July 2025).
Editorials: Columnists use "finally" to introduce their concluding thoughts on a topic. "And finally, we must address the root causes of the problem."
Online Publications
Tech Reviews: Reviewers might express excitement that a long-awaited feature has "finally" arrived. "The software update finally includes dark mode" (The Verge, April 2024).
Blogs: Lifestyle blogs might share "how I finally decluttered my home." Travel blogs could announce, "We finally booked our dream vacation!"
Social Media: Users frequently express relief or excitement. "I finally finished my thesis!" or "The weekend is finally here!"
Educational Platforms: Tutorials often use "finally" to introduce the last step. "And finally, apply the top coat for a perfect finish."
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: Characters might say, "We're finally home," or "Finally, some peace and quiet." A plot might resolve with a character "finally achieving their goal."
Music: Song lyrics often express reaching a desired state or overcoming hardship "finally." "I can finally breathe again."
Video Games: A game might display "Quest Complete!" followed by "Finally, victory is ours!" after a long challenge. Players might unlock a secret level they "finally reached."
Podcasts: Hosts often use "finally" to transition to their concluding segment. "And finally, for our last topic today..."
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly say, "I finally got around to it," or "It's finally stopped raining." "Are you finally ready to go?"
Workplace: Colleagues might announce, "We finally got the client's approval," or "The project is finally moving forward."
Customer Service: A representative might tell a customer, "Your issue has been finally resolved."
Personal Achievement: People often express satisfaction when they "finally accomplish a long-term goal." "I finally ran that marathon."
10 Quotes Using Finally
"Sometimes, after a long period of struggle, clarity finally arrives."
"The best ideas often emerge when we finally stop overthinking the problem."
"After years of diligent perseverance, the groundbreaking discovery finally occurred."
"True peace begins within the soul when the heart finally finds forgiveness."
"When you cease the endless searching, sometimes what you truly seek finally appears."
"The quiet satisfaction of a deeply cherished goal achieved finally settles upon you."
"For some, understanding comes slowly, but then the profound truth finally dawns."
"The moment of triumph is sweet, especially when it finally arrives after much effort."
"After all the meticulous planning and dedicated work, the complex project was finally completed."
"She finally realized her true potential, stepping into her power and shining brightly for all to see."
Etymology
The word "finally" 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 "finally" in English, with the meaning of "at last" or "conclusively," dates back to the early 15th century. It appeared in texts to describe something happening at its ultimate point or end, directly reflecting its Latin origin.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Finally
Finally, a break: An exclamation of relief when something positive happens after a period of difficulty. "After weeks of hard work, finally, a break!"
Finally, the truth: Indicating that a long-awaited revelation has occurred. "After years of speculation, finally, the truth came out."
And finally: Used to introduce the last point or conclusion in a series. "We discussed the budget, the timeline, and finally, the team roles."
Finally, a moment of peace: Expressing relief or contentment after a period of activity or stress. "After the kids went to bed, she had finally a moment of peace."
Has finally come to pass: Indicating that a long-anticipated event or prophecy has occurred. "The prophecy has finally come to pass."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of finally from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
