finish

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.

“Finish” is pronounced FIH-nihsh (/ˈfɪnɪʃ/ in IPA).

Here is “finish” used in a sentence: “She finished the marathon in just under four hours.”

Words with a similar meaning to “finish” include cessation, close, conclusion, end, ending and final.

The opposite of “finish” — its antonyms — are beginning, continuation, initiate, begin and start.

Depending on how it is used, “finish” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “finish” comes from Latin. From Old French finir, ultimately from Latin finis, meaning "end" or "boundary.".

“Finish” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

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.

'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.

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.

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.