Adverb B1 — Intermediate /ˈfaɪ.nə.li/

Finally — Definition, Examples & Usage

At the end of a series of events, or to introduce the last point — a word that signals conclusions and long-awaited moments.

Quick Definition

Finally is an adverb used to indicate that something happens at the end of a long series of events or after a long wait; to introduce the last item in a list or sequence; or to signal a conclusive, definitive action.

What Does Finally Mean?

Finally comes from the adjective final (from Latin finalis, meaning "of or belonging to an end") with the adverbial suffix -ly added in Middle English. The Latin root is finis, meaning "end" or "boundary" — the same root that gives us finish, finite, define, and confine. The word entered common English use in the 15th century and has been a high-frequency adverb ever since.

In modern English, finally serves three overlapping functions. The first is temporal: it signals that an action or event happened after a long delay or a prolonged sequence of preceding events (The letter finally arrived after three weeks). The second is structural: it introduces the last point in a spoken or written list, functioning as a discourse marker alongside firstly, secondly, and then (Finally, remember to save your work). The third is emphatic: it underlines that something is now settled, complete, or beyond further change (The case was finally closed).

Learners sometimes confuse finally with eventually and at last. Eventually focuses on the process leading to a result; at last expresses strong relief; finally is the most neutral and the only one that can also function as a sequencing discourse marker in academic or formal writing.

Example Sentences

SentenceLevel & usage note
We finally found our seats after walking around the stadium for ten minutes.A2 — after a delay, mid-position
She studied hard all term and finally passed her driving test.B1 — result after a series of events
Finally, remember to proofread your essay before submitting it.B1 — discourse marker closing a list
After months of negotiation, the two companies finally reached an agreement.B2 — long-awaited conclusive outcome
The commission finally conceded that the original report had contained significant methodological errors.C1 — formal, emphatic admission after resistance

Collocations

CollocationExample
finally arriveThe train finally arrived at half past nine.
finally agreeThe committee finally agreed on a date for the meeting.
finally admitHe finally admitted that he had made a mistake.
finally decideThey finally decided to move to a smaller flat.
finally manageShe finally managed to open the jar.
finally achieveAfter years of effort, the team finally achieved its goal.
finally settleThe dispute was finally settled out of court.
finally understandI finally understood why the answer was wrong.
finally acceptHe finally accepted the job offer after long hesitation.
finally concludeThe report finally concluded that further investment was necessary.

Usage Notes

Three Uses of Finally

  • After a long wait or delay: Place finally before the main verb or at the start of the sentence. The results finally came through. / Finally, the results came through.
  • As a sequencing discourse marker: Use at the beginning of a sentence to signal the last item in a list or the closing point of an argument. Finally, I would like to thank all the volunteers. This is the standard use in academic essays, speeches, and presentations.
  • To emphasise a conclusive or definitive action: Use when something ends, resolves, or is settled after uncertainty or delay. The matter has been finally resolved. In formal contexts, finally can follow be + past participle in passive constructions.

Position: finally is most commonly placed in mid-position (before the main verb, after an auxiliary) in spoken English, and in front position in formal written English as a discourse marker.

Common Mistakes

Watch Out For

In the end, finally, we decided to cancel the trip.

In the end, we decided to cancel the trip. (do not use finally and in the end together — they are redundant)

Finally I went to bed late. (ambiguous — sounds like "I went to bed late for the last time ever")

I finally went to bed late. / I eventually went to bed late. (mid-position clarifies the temporal meaning)

At the end, I would like to thank you for listening.

Finally, I would like to thank you for listening. (use finally as a discourse marker, not at the end)

Related Words

final (adj) finish (v) end (n/v) last (adj/adv) eventually already still yet

Synonyms & Near-synonyms

eventually at last in the end lastly ultimately conclusively once and for all

Practise This Word

Flash Cards Complete the Sentence Vocabulary Quiz Hangman

Frequently Asked Questions about “finally”

What does finally mean?
Finally has three core meanings. First, it describes something that happens after a long delay or series of events ('The parcel finally arrived'). Second, it introduces the last point in a list or speech ('Finally, I would like to thank everyone'). Third, it can mean 'conclusively' or 'once and for all' ('The matter was finally settled in court').
What is the difference between finally, eventually, and at last?
Finally, eventually, and at last are close in meaning but differ in nuance. Eventually suggests a result after a long process ('He eventually became fluent'). At last carries a stronger sense of relief after waiting ('At last, the rain stopped!'). Finally is the most neutral of the three and is also used as a discourse marker to sequence ideas, which eventually and at last cannot do.
Can finally be used as a discourse marker?
Yes. Finally is very commonly used at the start of a sentence to introduce the last point in an essay, presentation, or speech: 'Finally, remember to proofread your work.' In this use it functions as a sequencing adverb alongside firstly, secondly, and then.
Where does finally go in a sentence?
Finally is flexible in position. It can appear at the beginning of a sentence ('Finally, the meeting ended'), before the main verb ('We finally agreed'), or at the end ('The results arrived finally'). The beginning position is most common in written English as a discourse marker; the mid-position is most natural in spoken English.
What is the adjective form of finally?
The adjective form is 'final': 'the final answer', 'a final decision'. The noun form is 'finality': 'He spoke with an air of finality.' There is also 'finale' (borrowed from Italian), meaning the last part of a performance or piece of music.
What is the difference between finally and lastly?
Lastly is used only as a sequencing adverb to introduce the last item in a list. Finally can do the same job but also carries the additional sense of 'after a long time' or 'conclusively'. In academic writing, both are acceptable to close a series of points, but lastly is slightly more formal.
Is finally used in formal writing?
Yes. Finally is standard in both formal and informal English. In academic essays it is one of the most common discourse markers used to signal the conclusion of an argument. In formal speeches it introduces the last point or closing remarks. It is appropriate at every register of English.
What is the origin of the word finally?
Finally derives from the adjective 'final', which came into English in the 14th century from Old French 'final' and Latin 'finalis' (meaning 'of or pertaining to an end'), itself from 'finis' (end, boundary). The adverbial suffix '-ly' was added in Middle English. Related words include 'finish', 'finite', 'define', and 'confine', all from the same Latin root.
What are common collocations with finally?
Common collocations include: finally arrive, finally agree, finally admit, finally decide, finally manage, finally achieve, finally settle, and finally understand. The adverb often pairs with verbs that describe actions delayed or long awaited. In discourse use it pairs with sequencing phrases: 'Finally and most importantly...'.
How can I practise using finally in English?
Use LexFizz's Complete the Sentence exercise to practise finally in context, or try the Flash Cards tool to test discourse adverbs including finally, eventually, at last, and lastly. Writing short paragraphs that sequence three or four ideas using firstly, secondly, then, and finally is an excellent way to make the pattern automatic.