final
/ˈfʌɪn(ə)l
/adjective
1Coming at the end of a series: the final version of the report was presented...
- It was only when they saw the finished version in its final mix that they knew what they had got.
- What this enables me to do is to get words down in a way that's closer to the final version.
- Even funnier was a line which was cut from the final version.
Synonyms
last, closing, concluding, finishing, end, ending, terminating, terminal, culminating, ultimate, eventual, endmost
1.1Reached or designed to be reached as the outcome of a process or a series of actions and events: the final cost will easily run into six figures...
- They were also given an explanation of the printing process from initial graphics through to the final design.
- The outcome in the final points, as well as in the two events, was new European records.
- At the time of writing, it is too early to know the final outcome of the process.
1.2Allowing no further doubt or dispute: the decision of the judging panel is final...
- But it must throw into doubt the ability of the tribunal to be a final arbitrator of disputes.
- The court, which sits in The Hague, is the final arena for settling disputes between nations.
- And this time supported by deeds that allow the neighbours to give Japan a final absolution.
Synonyms
irrevocable, unalterable, absolute, conclusive, irrefutable, incontrovertible, indisputable, unappealable, unchallengeable, binding;
decisive, definitive, definite, settled, determinate, ultimate
noun
1The last game in a sports tournament or other competition, which will decide the winner of the tournament.The winners of the semi-finals will take part in a county final to decide the winner....
- The Netherlands have now made the Olympic final for the third Games in a row.
- The three will include both finalists and the winner of the qualifying final.
Synonyms
decider, final game/match
1.1 (finals) A series of games constituting the final stage of a competition: the World Cup finals...
- The result means Australia are still well in the hunt for next week's best-of-three finals of the series, which also features South Africa.
- Waugh angrily bustled out of the conference after his side failed to make the finals of the tri-nations series.
- Each team has to arrive by 15 January, then they face elimination rounds in each event, building up to a three-day series of finals.
2 (finals) British A series of examinations at the end of a degree course: she was doing her history finals...
- The atmosphere was more like that of an examination hall on finals day than a sporting arena before a big event.
- It's 20 years this month since I took my first degree finals and spent every hour that they were open in that particular library.
- Far from opting for a quiet life, Eddie is putting his radio career on hold in order to study for his Law degree finals - not to mention planning for his forthcoming wedding!
2.1 (final) North American An examination at the end of a term, school year, or particular class.He and nine other finalists had to prepare two main course dishes for the healthy catering class final....
- There were more chapters to read, more papers to write, and a final in every class.
- The duke spent time watching the games and when he moved inside for the primary school final spoke to a number of children about the day.
3 Music The principal note in a mode.Often, he seems to set up two possible finals, the ‘tonal’ issue being settled only at the last moment....
- The melody type is paramount; mode in the sense of scale and final is secondary.
4 (finals) The final approach of an aircraft to the runway it will be landing on: the plane piloted by Richards was on finals...
- Just before coming abeam the runway threshold I began a continuous finals turn, Spitfire style.
Phrases
the final straw
Origin
Middle English (in the adjectival sense 'conclusive'): from Old French, or from Latin finalis, from finis 'end'. Compare with finish.