finally
UK[ˈfaɪnəli]US[ˈfaɪnəli]
adv
After a long time, delay, or series of problems.
adv
Used to introduce a final point or reason.
adv
As the last in a series of actions or items.
Morpheme Breakdown
fin
al
ly
fin
end
al
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word 'finally' has a clear linear construction built upon the Latin concept of an end or limit, finis. The adjective-forming suffix -alis was attached to create finalis, meaning "pertaining to the end". This entered English as 'final'. The Old English adverbial suffix -līce, which broadly corresponds to the modern "-ly", was then appended to form the adverb. Thus, the literal meaning "in a manner pertaining to the end" evolved into its modern abstract senses, indicating the concluding element in a sequence, the ultimate point in an argument, or the long-awaited occurrence after other events.
Analysis
Structure: fin (end) + al (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
- fin: From Latin finis (end, boundary). Functions as the core root conveying the meaning of "end".
- al: From Latin -alis (adjective-forming suffix). Converts the root into an adjective.
- ly: From Old English -līce (adverb-forming suffix). Converts the adjective into an adverb.
Examples
After months of negotiation, they finally reached an agreement.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this project.
Add the milk, then the eggs, and finally the flour.