finalist
UK: ˈfaɪnəlɪst | US: ˈfaɪnəlɪst
n. a competitor or participant who reaches the final stage of a competition or selection process
n. a student in their final year of study (less common usage)
The word "finalist" combines "final," derived from Latin finalis (from finis, meaning "end" or "boundary"), with the suffix "-ist," which denotes a person associated with a specific action or role (e.g., "artist," "specialist"). The term emerged in the 19th century to describe participants advancing to the conclusive stage of competitions, reflecting a logical progression from "final" (the end point) to "-ist" (the actor in that context).
She trained tirelessly to become a finalist in the national chess championship.
Only two finalists remain in the singing competition.
As a finalist for the scholarship, he had to submit an additional essay.
The judges announced the finalists after a rigorous selection process.
Being a finalist in the science fair was a proud moment for her.