WordGarden.iofinal
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈaɪnəl/
US
- /ˈfaɪnəl/
Meanings
Adjective
coming at the end of a series or process
settled and not to be changed
Noun
the last game or round of a competition
a final examination
Beyond the definition
The "final" episode of your favorite show is the last one you'll see (until a reboot!). It means something is at the very end or is the end result. A final decision is one that settles everything, with no more arguments.
Think of a race: the "final" stretch is the last part, where runners push themselves to the limit. Or consider a "final exam" - it's the last test that helps decide your grade. It can also mean something is complete and cannot be changed. If you give someone your "final answer," that's it - no take-backs.
The word "final" signifies something that comes at the very end of a process, sequence, or period. It implies completion, conclusiveness, and often irreversibility. For example: "After months of negotiations, they reached a final agreement," meaning the deal was settled and no further changes would be made.
"Final" frequently describes the last item in a series, like the "final chapter" of a book or the "final score" of a game. It emphasizes that there is nothing left to add or change. However, "final" is not always about time; it can also mean ultimate or decisive. A "final warning" is a last chance before consequences are applied. A "final version" is the completed form that is ready to use or share.
In legal contexts, a "final judgment" refers to a court's conclusion on a matter. In everyday language, it can simply mean the ultimate result: "The final outcome was better than we expected." Furthermore, the word often functions as a noun. Students often dread their "finals" at the end of a semester, and sports fans live for the "final" of a major tournament.
Whether you are talking about endings, conclusions, or decisive moments, when something is "final," it represents the last word, the ultimate stage, and often a point of no return.
Examples
- 1
Book ending
This is the final chapter of the book.
- 2
Decision deadline
We need a final decision by Friday.
- 3
Completed version
Please send me the final version when you're done.
- 4
School exam
She is studying for her final exam next week.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Legal decision
The judge's decision is final.
- 6
Quiz answer
"Is that your final answer?" the host asked.
- Phrasefinal answer
the answer you will not change
- 7
Authority
My manager has the final say on the budget.
- Phrasehave the final say
have the power to make the last decision
- 8
Sports match
Their team lost in the final.
- 9
Warning
This is your final warning.
- Phrasefinal warning
the last warning before action is taken
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- finalnounadjective
Forms
- finalspluralnounadjective