ˈfīn( ə )lē, -li adverb
Etymology: Middle English, from final (I) + -ly
1.
a. : after a certain space of time : as the last act or occurrence in a series : in the end : at last : eventually
he carefully adjusted his tie, took one last look about the room, and finally walked out the door
the theologians … finally adjusted theology to the new conceptions — G.C.Sellery
pressure falls steadily and may finally reach a point at which shock occurs — Morris Fishbein
b. : in the last analysis : ultimately
the creation of the work of art is what finally concerns us — Michael Kitson
the generality and heartiness of assent on which laws finally depend for effectiveness — Modern Churchman
can positively and finally depend upon him — Walter de la Mare
c. : by way of conclusion : as the last point
finally , I wish to thank all who cooperated in this important project
finally , the essayist considers the vexing problem of free will
2. : for all time : beyond change : irrevocably , conclusively , decisively
this question which you have answered so finally — Willa Cather
reluctance to commit himself finally to one extreme or the other — E.D.H.Johnson