WordGarden.iofinish
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈɪnɪʃ/
US
- /ˈfɪnɪʃ/
Meanings
Verb
to complete something or bring it to an end
to end a race or competition in a particular position
to eat, drink, or use all of something
More meaningsFewer meanings
to apply a final surface treatment or coating
Noun
the final part or ending of an event or process
the final surface, coating, or texture of something
Beyond the definition
To finish something means to bring it to an end or to complete it successfully. You might finish a delicious meal, finish a challenging race, or finish writing a story you've been working on for weeks. It is all about reaching that final point of effort and achieving a sense of closure.
Sometimes, "finish" refers to the final look or surface of an object. For instance, a beautifully finished piece of furniture has smooth surfaces and careful details. It can also describe the treatment put on a surface: "He finished the wood with varnish," meaning he applied a final coat to protect it and improve its appearance. Think of a painter adding the last brushstroke to a canvas. That is the moment they are truly finishing their work.
The word "finish" has a surprisingly versatile range of meanings, all revolving around the idea of completion or bringing something to its natural conclusion. Most commonly, it refers to completing a task, activity, or project. You might say, "She finally finished her degree after years of hard work," or "We need to finish this report by Friday."
Beyond just completing tasks, "finish" can describe the ultimate outcome or result of an event. Saying "the game ended in a tie" is very similar to saying "the game finished in a tie." It marks the point where the action stops and the result is set.
Furthermore, "finish" describes the refinement and quality of a completed object. A carpenter might finish wood with paint, stain, or varnish to give it a polished, professional look. In this sense, the "finish" is the final layer that makes something aesthetically pleasing. In a competitive context, like a marathon or a car race, a driver might finish first, meaning they reached the end of the course before everyone else, marking a successful conclusion to their effort.
You can also use "finish" as a direct instruction or a request for someone to complete something. Whether you are telling a child to "finish your vegetables" or asking a colleague, "Please finish what you are saying so we can move on," the word signals that an activity needs to reach its end. Whether it's about craftsmanship, competition, or daily chores, "finish" is the word we use to cross the metaphorical finish line.
Examples
- 1
Work deadline
I need to finish this report before lunch.
- 2
Food and drink
She finished her coffee and stood up to leave.
- 3
Late ending
We didn’t finish until after midnight.
- 4
Reading
Have you finished reading the book yet?
- Patternfinish + -ing verb
complete an activity
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Homework
I’m almost finished with my homework.
- Patternfinished with + task
no more work to do
- 6
Borrowed item
Are you finished with the charger?
- Patternfinished with + item
no longer using it
- 7
Closing remarks
He finished by thanking everyone for coming.
- Patternfinish by + -ing verb
end in this way
- 8
Movie ending
The movie finishes with a wedding scene.
- Patternfinish with + final scene/event
end with it
- 9
Exhaustion
After the long run, I was completely finished.
- Phrasebe finished
be extremely tired or have no energy left
- 10
Race ending
The race had a dramatic finish.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- finishnounverb
Forms
- finishedpast tenseverbnoun
- finishing-ing formverbnoun
- finishespluralnounverb