finally
FEYE-nuh-lee
Finally (adv) means At last, after a long wait or delay. Example: “After three interviews, she finally got the job.”
adv
1
At last, after a long wait or delay.
"After three interviews, she finally got the job."
"The rain finally stopped after two days."
"We finally reached the top of the hill after hours of walking."
2
In conclusion, as the last point.
"Finally, I'd like to thank everyone who helped organize this event."
"Finally, remember to save your work before closing the program."
"Finally, let me say a few words about safety."
How to use finally
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "at long last" (after waiting) or "lastly" (when listing points).
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Etymology
This word came from Middle English finally, fynaly, fynally, fynaliche, fynalliche; it is equivalent to final + -ly.
Synonyms
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at last
at long last
eventually
for good
for good and all
in conclusion
in fine
in the end
at the last
lastly
once and for all
ultimately
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for finally
See all rhymes for finally →Frequently asked questions
What does “finally” mean?
The word “finally” means at last, after a long wait or delay. In plain terms, either "at long last" (after waiting) or "lastly" (when listing points).
How do you pronounce “finally”?
“Finally” is pronounced FEYE-nuh-lee (/ˈfaɪ.nə.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “finally” in a sentence?
Here is “finally” used in a sentence: “After three interviews, she finally got the job.”
What is another word for “finally”?
Words with a similar meaning to “finally” include eventually, for good, for good and all, in conclusion, in fine and in the end.
What is the opposite of “finally”?
The opposite of “finally” — its antonyms — are initially and medially.
What part of speech is “finally”?
“Finally” is an adverb.
Is “finally” a common word?
“Finally” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “finally” have?
“Finally” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: at last, after a long wait or delay.
What is the difference between 'finally' and 'eventually'?
Both mean something happens after a delay. 'Finally' carries relief or impatience — the long wait is over at last. 'Eventually' notes more neutrally that it happened after some time, often after twists or setbacks. 'Finally, the bus came' sounds relieved; 'eventually, the bus came' just sounds matter-of-fact.
What is the difference between 'finally' and 'lastly'?
'Finally' has two jobs: it can mean 'at last, after a delay,' or it can introduce a last point. 'Lastly' only does the second — marking the final item in a list or sequence. Use 'finally' for relief after waiting; use either word when you simply reach your last point.
What is an example of 'finally' in a sentence?
'After hours of searching, we finally found the keys.' 'The results are finally here.' Each shows something happening at last, after a wait or delay, usually with a clear sense of relief that the waiting has come to an end. That feeling of release is what 'finally' adds.
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