# finally

/ˈfaɪnəɫi/ (US) · /fˈaɪnəli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/finally
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. after a long time

adverb · CEFR A2

after a long time, especially when there have been problems or delays.

For teachers: after a considerable period of time or after various difficulties have been overcome.

- 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'.

### 2. lastly in a list

adverb · CEFR B1

used to introduce the last point, item, or step in a series.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. definitively

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

in a way that is final and cannot be changed.

For teachers: in a conclusive or definitive manner that precludes further change or discussion.

- 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.

## Examples

- The bus finally arrived after twenty minutes.
- After months of hard work and several delays, the team finally finished the project on Friday.
- The diplomat spent years negotiating with both sides before they finally reached a peace agreement that satisfied the major concerns of the local population.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.