What does financially mean?
"Financially" is an adverb meaning "in terms of money" — it frames a statement around someone's or something's monetary condition rather than any other quality. It is most commonly used to modify adjectives that describe a state of affairs: a person may be financially secure, independent, or strapped; a company may be financially viable or insolvent; a decision may make sense financially even if it seems unwise otherwise. Derived from the noun "finance," which traces back through French to the Latin "finis" (end), the word entered English usage as commerce and public money management became central concerns of modern life. Its tone is neutral and works equally well in formal reporting and casual conversation. Because money is such a pervasive measure of circumstance, "financially" is a versatile and practical term for distinguishing economic reality from emotional, physical, or practical considerations.
adverbIn a way that relates to money or finances, especially regarding someone's financial situation or resources.
- With regard to money or one's financial resources: 'they were struggling financially after the business failed.'
"After months of careful budgeting, she was finally financially secure."
"The charity relies on donations and is run almost entirely by financially independent volunteers."
"He was doing well emotionally after the breakup, though he remained strained financially."
Behind this unassuming adverb lies the Latin 'finis' — an ending — because settling a debt was literally how you brought a payment to a close.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of financially
The adverb "financially" derives from the adjective "financial," formed from the noun "finance." Finance comes from the Old French "finance," meaning an end or settlement of a debt, ultimately rooted in Latin "finis" (end or boundary). The sense evolved through medieval Latin and French usage concerning payments and settlements into the modern meaning of money management, and "financially" emerged as the corresponding adverb, now standard throughout the English-speaking world.
Related word forms
How financially is actually used
A neutral, standard adverb common in both formal journalism and everyday speech. It most often modifies adjectives describing states (secure, stable, independent, viable, strained) and frequently appears in discussions of personal circumstances, businesses, and institutions.
Easily confused with financially
'Finely' means in small pieces or with fine detail, while 'financially' relates to money and financial matters.