finish
FIH-nihsh
Finish (verb) means to complete or bring something to an end. Example: “We finished painting the fence just before the rain started.”
verb
1
To complete or bring something to an end.
"We finished painting the fence just before the rain started."
"She finished the marathon in just under four hours."
"Please finish your homework before dinner."
noun
1
The end point of something, especially a race or event.
"The cyclists sprinted towards the finish line as the crowd cheered."
"Our team was exhausted at the finish of the long relay."
"It was a close finish between the two runners."
2
A coating or treatment applied to a surface to protect or decorate it.
"The wardrobe has a matt finish that hides fingerprints well."
"Choose a waterproof finish for the garden bench."
"The table has a glossy varnish finish."
How to use finish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo complete something, or the end/surface coating of something.
Common pairings
finish line
matte finish
finish up
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Word forms
- Plural
- finishes
- Third person singular
- finishes
- Past tense
- finished
- Archaic forms
- finishest, finishedst, finisheth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We _____ painting the fence just before the rain started.
Etymology
From Old French finir, ultimately from Latin finis, meaning "end" or "boundary."
Synonyms
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complete
conclude
wrap up
finalize
wind up
finishing
finale
coating
cultivation
culture
destination
conclusion
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for finish
See all rhymes for finish →Frequently asked questions
What does “finish” mean?
The word “finish” means to complete or bring something to an end. In plain terms, to complete something, or the end/surface coating of something.
How do you pronounce “finish”?
“Finish” is pronounced FIH-nihsh (/ˈfɪnɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “finish” in a sentence?
Here is “finish” used in a sentence: “She finished the marathon in just under four hours.”
What is another word for “finish”?
Words with a similar meaning to “finish” include cessation, close, conclusion, end, ending and final.
What is the opposite of “finish”?
The opposite of “finish” — its antonyms — are beginning, continuation, initiate, begin and start.
What part of speech is “finish”?
Depending on how it is used, “finish” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “finish” come from?
The word “finish” comes from Latin. From Old French finir, ultimately from Latin finis, meaning "end" or "boundary.".
Is “finish” a common word?
“Finish” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between finish and complete?
The two overlap, but 'complete' stresses that nothing is missing — every part is present and whole — while 'finish' stresses reaching the end of an activity. You finish a race by crossing the line; you complete a form by filling every field. Often either works, but the emphasis differs slightly.
What is the difference between finish and end?
'End' simply means something stops, whether or not it was seen through. 'Finish' suggests you carried a task all the way to its proper conclusion. A meeting can end early, unfinished; a meal you finish is one you ate to the last bite. Finishing implies completion, while ending just marks the stopping point.
What is the opposite of finish?
The main opposites are 'start' and 'begin', which mark setting out on something rather than bringing it to a close. 'Continue' also contrasts with finish, since it means carrying on instead of stopping. Which fits best depends on whether you mean commencing a task or simply not yet ending it.
Can 'finish' be a noun?
Yes. As a noun, 'finish' can mean the end or final stage of something, as in 'a close finish' to a race. It also describes the surface texture or coating of an object, such as a glossy or matte finish on furniture. The verb and noun senses are closely linked.
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