finish

UK: ˈfɪnɪʃ | US: ˈfɪnɪʃ

Definition

  1. v. to complete or bring to an end

  2. v. to consume all of something

  3. n. the final part or conclusion of something

  4. n. a surface coating or texture (e.g., paint finish)

Structure
fin <end>ish <verb suffix>fin <end>ish <verb suffix>
Etymology

The word finish traces back to Latin finis, which originally referred to physical boundaries (e.g., territorial limits). Over time, it metaphorically expanded to mean "completion" or "end goal." The suffix -ish was added in Old French (finir) and later Middle English to verbalize the concept. The modern sense retains the core idea of reaching a terminal point, whether in tasks ("finish work") or materials ("wood finish").

Examples

  1. She will finish her project by tomorrow.

  2. He finished the last slice of pizza.

  3. The race had a dramatic finish.

  4. The table has a glossy finish.

  5. Let’s finish this discussion later.