fi ‧ nal ‧ ly S2 W1 AC /ˈfaɪn ə l-i/ BrE AmE adverb
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ final , ↑ semi-final , ↑ finalist , ↑ semi-finalist , ↑ finale , ↑ finality , ↑ finalization ; verb : ↑ finalize ; adverb : ↑ finally ; adjective : ↑ final ]
1 . after a long time SYN eventually :
After several delays we finally took off at six o'clock.
Finally, Karpov cracked under the pressure.
2 . [sentence adverb] used to introduce the last in a series of things SYN lastly ⇨ firstly OPP firstly :
And finally, I’d like to thank the crew.
3 . used when talking about the last in a series of actions:
She drove off at great speed, hit several parked cars, and finally crashed into a lamp-post.
4 . in a way that does not allow changes:
The matter was not finally settled until 1475.
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THESAURUS
▪ finally/eventually/in the end after a long time, especially when there have been difficulties or delays. In the end is used especially in spoken English:
After a lot of questioning, James finally admitted he had taken the car.
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The plane eventually arrived at 6:30 – over three hours late.
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In the end, I decided that the best thing to do was to ask Billy for help.
▪ at last used when something good happens after you have waited for it for a long time:
I’m really glad that Ken’s found a job at last.
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At long last (=after a very long time) he was able to see his family again.
▪ after much ado often humorous after a long time and when there have been a lot of worries, problems, or delays:
After much ado, we moved into our new house last week.