final

Definitions

1. adjective

   Last in a series.

   Examples

   • Tomorrow is the final day of the school term.
   • This is the final chapter of the book.
   ≈dernier≈endly≈terminal
2. adjective

   Not able to be changed.

   Examples

   • The judge's decision is final.
   • The battle brought the contest to a final end.
3. noun

   A big exam at the end of a course.

   Examples

   • It was hard studying for midterms and finals.
   • She passed all her finals with top marks.
4. noun

   In the UK, the exams in the last year of a university degree.

   Examples

   • She spent all spring revising for her finals.
   • His finals results decided his degree.
5. noun

   The last game that decides the winner.

   Examples

   • They reached the final after a tough semifinal.
   • The final will be played on Saturday afternoon.
6. adjective

   In philosophy, relating to the purpose of something.

   Examples

   • The final cause of the test was to check the idea.
   • Philosophers separate the final cause from the efficient cause.
7. adjective

   In grammar, expressing purpose.

   Examples

   • So that he could leave early is a final clause.
   • The sentence ends with a final clause giving the reason.
8. adjective

   Coming at the end of a word.

   Examples

   • The word ends with a final consonant.
   • In English, a final e is often silent.
9. noun

   In language study, the last part of a syllable.

   Examples

   • Linguists look at the final of each syllable.
   • The final of the syllable kan is an.
10. noun

    In church music, the main note a chant ends on.

    Examples

    • The chant ends on the final of the mode.
    • Each mode is defined partly by its final.