final
UK: ˈfaɪnəl | US: ˈfaɪnəl
adj. relating to the end or conclusion of something
adj. decisive or conclusive
n. the last game or round in a competition
n. (often finals) the last set of examinations in a course
final = fin<end> + al<adjective suffix>
- fin: From Latin finis (end, boundary), retained in English to denote completion or termination.
- al: A suffix of Latin origin (-alis) used to form adjectives meaning "pertaining to."
Etymology Origin:
The word final traces back to Latin finalis, derived from finis (end). It entered Middle English via Old French, preserving its core meaning of "concluding" or "ultimate." The morpheme fin appears in related terms like finish and finite, consistently conveying the idea of boundaries or endpoints. The suffix -al systematically converts nouns into adjectives, making final literally mean "pertaining to the end."
The final chapter of the book revealed the mystery.
Her decision was final and could not be changed.
He scored the winning goal in the cup final.
Students often feel stressed during their finals week.
This is your final warning—next time, there will be consequences.