finally
/ˈfaɪnəli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfaɪnəli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfī-nᵊl-ē ˈfīn-lē/ (ame, mw)
finally — adverb
1. happening after a stretch of waiting or effort, when you have been hoping for it
happening after a stretch of waiting or effort, when you have been hoping for it to come about.
After three hours of searching, Nora finally found her keys under the sofa.
finally + after [time period] for completed event
It took three attempts, but Eleni finally passed her driving test.
finally + after [number of attempts] showing persistence
The train finally arrived at the station, forty minutes late.
When spring finally arrived, the garden burst into full bloom.
Walid finally reached the top of the mountain just before sunset.
- eventually
less emotional; simply states something happened after a period, without the same sense of relief
- at last
more emphatic and emotional; often used in exclamations ('At last!')
- in the end
focuses on the final outcome after considering alternatives, rather than the waiting itself
- immediately
opposite in time — happening at once rather than after a delay
- initially
refers to the start of a process, not the end
文法句型
finally + simple past verb
finally + after + [time period / number of attempts]
用法筆記
Frequently used with the simple past tense to mark the end of a waiting period. Can appear mid-sentence before the main verb (subject + finally + verb) or at the start of a clause for emphasis.
常見錯誤
2. placed at the front of a sentence, followed by a comma, to show that what follow
placed at the front of a sentence, followed by a comma, to show that what follows is the closing item in a list, reason, or argument.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who helped with the project.
discourse marker: Finally, + [sentence]
And finally, remember to lock all the doors before you leave.
And finally, + [imperative sentence]
Finally, we need to discuss who will lead the new team.
Brooke spoke about the budget and, finally, about the timeline for the next phase.
- lastly
interchangeable in most lists, though 'finally' is slightly more common in speech
- in conclusion
more formal; typically used in written essays or speeches
文法句型
Finally, + [sentence]
And finally, + [sentence]
用法筆記
Typically followed by a comma. Common in speeches, presentations, and structured writing. When listing points with 'firstly / secondly / thirdly', use 'finally' (not 'lastly') for the final item in formal contexts.
常見錯誤
3. in a complete way that cannot be changed or questioned — used when a decision, a
in a complete way that cannot be changed or questioned — used when a decision, agreement, or settlement puts an end to discussion or uncertainty.
The judge finally settled the matter by announcing her decision in court.
finally + [verb of settling] for definitive end
The two sides have finally agreed on the terms of the deal.
finally + [verb of agreeing] for binding outcome
Nothing has been finally decided yet — we are still waiting for the report.
Valentina finally resolved the argument by giving a clear and honest answer.
- definitively
more formal; strongly emphasises that no further change is possible
- for good
informal; adds a sense of permanence ('We settled it for good')
- temporarily
opposite in durability — for now but open to change
- provisionally
arranged for the present but subject to revision
文法句型
finally + [verb of deciding / agreeing]
not + finally + [past participle]
用法筆記
Commonly modifies verbs of deciding, agreeing, settling, or resolving. In negative sentences (e.g. 'not finally decided'), it signals the matter remains open. In formal or legal writing, this sense carries the weight of finality.