finally
gb/fˈaɪnəli/ us/fˈaɪnəli/
A2
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
relation
1
After a long time or delay
Used when something happens after you have been waiting for it for a long time.
Usage pattern:
finally [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'finally' with 'at last' — while similar, 'at last' can sound more emotional or dramatic.
Synonyms
eventually (Very close in meaning; 'eventually' is slightly more neutral and less emotive.)
Antonyms
immediately (Describes something happening without any delay, opposite of after a long wait.)
Collocations
finally arrived
|finally happened
|finally decided
|finally finished
Themes
daily life
|time
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- After two hours of waiting, the bus finally arrived.
- She finally passed her driving test on the third try.
- We finally reached the top of the mountain at sunset.
- He finally agreed to help us after much persuasion.
Learner examples
- The train finally came.
- I finally saw my friend.
- She finally got the job.
- We finally ate dinner.
adverb
B1
relation
2
At the end of something
Used to say that something is the last thing in a list or series.
Usage pattern:
finally [verb/clause]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'finally' in lists where 'lastly' might be more appropriate in formal writing.
Synonyms
lastly ('Lastly' is used mainly in formal speech or writing, especially for lists.)
Antonyms
firstly (Marks the beginning of a list or sequence, opposite of 'finally' in this sense.)
Collocations
finally conclude
|finally complete
|finally summarize
Themes
time
|process
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Finally, add the salt and stir well.
- We discussed the budget, the schedule, and finally the marketing plan.
- Finally, I would like to thank everyone for their support.
Learner examples
- Finally, mix the sugar into the tea.
- We visited London, Paris, and finally Rome.
- Finally, open the window.
adverb
B1
state
3
Expressing relief at occurrence
Used to show you are happy or relieved that something has happened.
Usage pattern:
finally [verb/clause]
Common mistake:
Some learners use 'finally' in this sense when no feeling of relief is intended, which may sound odd in English.
Synonyms
thankfully ('Thankfully' focuses more on gratitude than on the passage of time.)
Antonyms
unfortunately (Expresses regret or disappointment rather than relief.)
Collocations
finally free
|finally safe
|finally over
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Finally, we can relax after such a busy week.
- The storm has finally passed, and the sun is out.
- Finally! I've been waiting all day for this moment.
Learner examples
- Finally, I can sleep.
- The game is finally over.
- Finally, we can eat.
Grammar
Dictionary form
finally
IPA
GB/fˈaɪnəli/
US/fˈaɪnəli/
Syllables & stress
fi - nally (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (fi)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: finally
- Plural: finallies
Word family
Expressions
finally free
1/fˈaɪnəli fɹˈi/
fixed phrase
Free after restriction
Used to say someone is free after being kept somewhere or under control for a long time.
Examples
- After months in hospital, she was finally free.
- The hostages are finally free.
finally got around to
1/fˈaɪnəli ɡˈɑt ɚˈaʊnd tə/
fixed phrase
informal
Did after long delay
Used when someone does something they had planned or wanted to do for a long time but kept delaying.
Examples
- I finally got around to cleaning the garage.
- He finally got around to calling his parents.
finally over
1/fˈaɪnəli ˈoʊvɚ/
fixed phrase
Ended after long time
Used to say something has ended after taking a long time or being difficult.
Examples
- The meeting is finally over.
- The war is finally over after many years.