Word
finally
Phoneticsfi·nal·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfaɪnəɫi/
UK/fˈaɪnəli/
Adverb of time
Definitions
01after a long time
A2 · Elementary
adv. after a long time, especially when there have been problems or delays.
adv. after a considerable period of time or after various difficulties have been overcome.
日本語:やっと※
“After waiting for over an hour, the bus finally arrived.”
“After months of intense negotiations and several near-collapses of the deal, the two companies finally signed the merger agreement.”
Usage
Usually placed before the main verb or after the verb 'to be'.
Pitfall
I finally am here.
I am finally here.
When used with the verb 'to be', 'finally' usually comes after the verb.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02lastly in a list
B1 · Intermediate
adv. used to introduce the last point, item, or step in a series.
adv. used to introduce the final element in a sequence or the concluding point of an argument.
“First, wash the vegetables; second, chop them; and finally, add them to the pot.”
“The speaker discussed the economic benefits, the social impact, and finally, the long-term environmental consequences of the project.”
Usage
Often used as a sentence starter followed by a comma.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03definitively
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. in a way that is final and cannot be changed.
adv. in a conclusive or definitive manner that precludes further change or discussion.
日本語:最終的に※
“The matter has now been finally settled by the court.”
“The board of directors met yesterday to finally determine the fate of the subsidiary, ending months of corporate uncertainty.”
Teaching tip
This sense is more formal and less common than the 'after a long time' meaning; it implies a permanent decision.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “finally” in context.
Confusables
At last expresses relief or impatience after a long delay, while finally marks the last item in a sequence or a result achieved through effort.
RememberAt last = Relief. Finally = The end of a list.
Eventually describes a result that comes after a long or uncertain delay, while finally marks the last item in a sequence or a result achieved after specific difficulties.
RememberEventually = In due time. Finally = At long last.
Etymology
From Middle English finally, fynaly, fynally, fynaliche, fynalliche, equivalent to final + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
01. and finally
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/finally
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0