Words / A2

FYN-uh-lee/ˈfaɪnəli/

Finally means after a long wait, or as the last point: we finally arrived; finally, do not forget your passport. At last is a close cousin for relief after waiting. At the end describes position, not the wait. Last is not an adverb here — not “we last found the gate”. Firstly / secondly pair with finally in lists.

Meaning

After a long time, or as the last point in a list.

Examples

• “We finally found our gate at the airport.”
• “She finally found a half-price ticket.”
• “Finally, turn off your phone in the exam room.”

Good to know

after a wait: finally / at last. In a list: finally = last point. Not “lastly” required at A2, but it exists.

Near in meaning

at last

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