final

/ˈfaɪnl/

/ˈfaɪnəl/

Other forms: finals

Use the word final when something is over and done with. If you pester your parents too much, they may say, "You aren't going out and that's final!" End of discussion.

What is the last thing you do at school? You take final exams. Before leaving for a trip? You do a final check of your suitcase to make sure you have everything you need. Then you know you're finished packing. Both final and finish come from the Latin word finis, meaning "end." Now you know why some European movies show fin instead of the end before the credits roll.

Definitions of final

1. noun

   an examination administered at the end of an academic term
   synonyms: final exam, final examination

   type of:

   exam, examination, test

   a set of questions or exercises evaluating skill or knowledge
2. noun

   the final match between the winners of all previous matches in an elimination tournament
   types:

   cup final

   the final match of any cup competition (such as the annual final of the English soccer competition at Wembley)

   type of:

   match

   a formal contest in which two or more persons or teams compete
3. adjective

   occurring at or forming an end or termination
   “the final chapter”

   synonyms: concluding, last, terminal

   closing

   final or ending
4. adjective

   conclusive in a process or progression
   “the final answer”

   synonyms: last, net

   ultimate

   furthest or highest in degree or order; utmost or extreme
5. adjective

   not to be altered or undone
   “the judge's decision is final”

   synonyms: last

   inalterable, unalterable

   not capable of being changed or altered