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finally

A2
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /fˈaɪnəli/

US

  • /ˈfaɪnəli/

Description

"Finally!" is what you say when something you have waited for happens at last. It shows relief, completion, or a sense of success after time, trouble, or waiting. You might finally finish a hard project or finally reach your destination after a long trip. It points to the end result after a wait.

The word suggests that something took longer than expected, and there is often emotion in it: relief, joy, or even annoyance. "After weeks of rain, the sun finally shone." Or, "I finally understood the instructions." Sometimes, finally is used sarcastically when something happens much later than it should.

Examples

  1. 1

    Travel delay

    The train finally arrived just after midnight.

  2. 2

    Finding something

    I finally found my keys under the sofa.

  3. 3

    Personal progress

    After months of practice, she's finally confident enough to sing in public.

  4. 4

    Admission

    He finally admitted that he needed help.

  5. 5

    Rest after work

    If we finish early today, we can finally get some rest.

  6. 6

    Problem solving

    We finally figured out why the printer kept stopping.

  7. 7

    Last step

    Finally, click "Submit" at the bottom of the form.

    • Pattern

      Finally, ...

      introduces the last step or last item

  8. 8

    Last topic

    And finally, here's the sports news.

    • Phrase

      And finally, ...

      introduces the last topic in a talk or report

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • finallyadverb