C1 noun Formal

finality

/faɪˈnæl.ə.ti/

The state or quality of being finished, settled, or irreversible, leaving no room for further doubt or change. It often describes the character of an action or statement that suggests a definitive conclusion has been reached.

Examples

3 of 5
1

He slammed the front door with a sense of finality that told her he wasn't coming back.

He slammed the front door with a sense of finality that told her he wasn't coming back.

2

The supreme court's ruling brings a necessary finality to this long-standing legal dispute.

The supreme court's ruling brings a necessary finality to this long-standing legal dispute.

3

The way she said 'no' had a real finality to it, so I didn't bother asking again.

The way she said 'no' had a real finality to it, so I didn't bother asking again.

Word Family

Noun
finality
Verb
finalize
Adverb
finally
Adjective
final
Related
finale
💡

Memory Tip

Focus on the 'FIN' (meaning end) and the suffix '-ITY' (denoting a state). Once you cross the FINish line, you have reached the state of finality.

Quick Quiz

The judge's gavel struck the wood with a sharp sound, adding a sense of ___ to the ruling.

Correct!

The correct answer is: finality

Examples

1

He slammed the front door with a sense of finality that told her he wasn't coming back.

everyday

He slammed the front door with a sense of finality that told her he wasn't coming back.

2

The supreme court's ruling brings a necessary finality to this long-standing legal dispute.

formal

The supreme court's ruling brings a necessary finality to this long-standing legal dispute.

3

The way she said 'no' had a real finality to it, so I didn't bother asking again.

informal

The way she said 'no' had a real finality to it, so I didn't bother asking again.

4

Scholars argue that the finality of death is a central theme in existentialist literature.

academic

Scholars argue that the finality of death is a central theme in existentialist literature.

5

The acquisition agreement provided the finality required for the board to move forward with the merger.

business

The acquisition agreement provided the finality required for the board to move forward with the merger.

Word Family

Noun
finality
Verb
finalize
Adverb
finally
Adjective
final
Related
finale

Common Collocations

a sense of finality a sense of finality
air of finality air of finality
absolute finality absolute finality
lack of finality lack of finality
bring finality to bring finality to

Common Phrases

with an air of finality

with an air of finality

the finality of the situation

the finality of the situation

reach a point of finality

reach a point of finality

Often Confused With

finality vs finalization

Finalization is the active process of making something final, whereas finality is the abstract state or quality of being final.

finality vs finale

A finale is the last part of a performance or event; finality is the characteristic of being conclusive.

📝

Usage Notes

Finality is frequently used in the construction 'a sense of finality' or 'an air of finality' to describe how a person speaks or acts. It is more abstract and formal than 'the end'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use the non-existent word 'finalness' or confuse 'finality' with 'finally' (the adverb).

💡

Memory Tip

Focus on the 'FIN' (meaning end) and the suffix '-ITY' (denoting a state). Once you cross the FINish line, you have reached the state of finality.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Late Latin 'finalitas', originating from the Latin 'finalis', which relates to an end or boundary.

Grammar Patterns

Uncountable noun Often follows 'a sense of' or 'with' Can be used with the definite article 'the'
🌍

Cultural Context

In Western law, the principle of finality is crucial because it ensures that once a legal case is decided and appeals are exhausted, the matter cannot be reopened indefinitely.

Quick Quiz

The judge's gavel struck the wood with a sharp sound, adding a sense of ___ to the ruling.

Correct!

The correct answer is: finality

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