What does finally mean?
Finally is an adverb with two principal uses. Its most common sense conveys that something happens after a long wait, struggle, or series of obstacles: 'the negotiations finally concluded.' In this use it often carries a note of relief, satisfaction, or sometimes exasperation, since it frames the event as overdue. Its second sense is structural rather than emotional: finally marks the last item in a sequence, as in essays, speeches, and step-by-step instructions, typically following words like 'first' and 'then'. The word derives from Latin finis, 'end', via Old French final, and belongs to a family that includes finale, finish, and finite — all pointing to completion or conclusion. Versatile and register-neutral, finally works equally well in casual conversation ('we finally met!') and formal prose. It should not be confused with 'at last', which is similar but more emotionally charged and cannot serve as a sequencing marker in lists.
After a long time, delay, or series of difficulties; at last.
"He finally admitted that he had been wrong."
Often expresses relief or mild impatience; spoken with emphasis, it can imply the outcome was long overdue.
Used to introduce the last item or point in a sequence.
"First preheat the oven, then mix the batter, and finally bake for thirty minutes."
Common in formal writing, speeches, and instructions; pairs naturally with 'first', 'second', and 'next'.
Finally traces back to Latin finis, meaning 'end' — so every time you say 'finally!', you're literally announcing that the finish line has been crossed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of finally
Finally comes from the adjective final, which entered English from Old French, ultimately deriving from Latin finalis, 'of or pertaining to an end', built on finis, meaning 'end' or 'boundary'. The adverb has been used in English since late Middle English, developing both its sequencing sense (as the last point) and its sense of occurrence after long delay. It shares this root with cognates such as finale, finish, and finite.
Related word forms
How finally is actually used
Finally is common in all registers of speech and writing. When it signals relief after delay ('she finally finished'), it often appears with stress and can carry a faint tone of impatience or exasperation depending on context. When it introduces a final item ('finally, I'd like to thank...'), it is especially frequent in formal speeches, essays, and instructions, where it pairs naturally with 'first' and 'next'.
Easily confused with finally
They overlap heavily, but 'at last' carries stronger emotional relief, while 'finally' is more neutral and also serves as a sequencing word in lists.