end

The last part of something, or the point where it stops.

• This is the end of the story.
• There is a shop at the end of the street.
• Did you stay until the end of the film?

How to use it: the end of something (We reached the end of the road.); at the end of something (There is a surprise at the end of the story.)

Similar words: ending, finish

Opposites: beginning

Common phrases: the end of, at the end, end of something

The furthest part of a long object, such as a rope or stick.

• Hold both ends of the rope.
• One end of the cable is broken.
• She tied the loose ends together.

How to use it: the end of something (Tie a ribbon to the end of the stick.)

Similar words: tip, extremity

Common phrases: both ends, end of something, a loose end

A person's death, especially when describing how it happened.

• He met a tragic end.
• Her sudden end shocked everyone in the village.
• The old king came to a peaceful end.

Similar words: death, demise

Common phrases: meet your end, a tragic end, an untimely end

To stop happening or continuing.

• The film ends at nine.
• Their holiday ended yesterday.
• When will this meeting end?

How to use it: end with something (The concert ended with a slow song.); end in something (The match ended in a draw.)

Similar words: finish, stop, conclude

Opposites: start, begin

Common phrases: end soon, end at midnight, end with something

To bring an activity, event, or situation to a stop.

• Please end the meeting now.
• They ended their relationship last year.
• The whistle ends the game.

Similar words: finish, stop, terminate

Opposites: begin, start

Common phrases: end a meeting, end the war

To make an activity, situation, or relationship stop.

• Let's end the meeting now.
• They ended their relationship last year.
• This agreement could end the war.

How to use it: end something (The agreement ended the dispute.)

Similar words: stop, finish, bring to a close

Opposites: start, begin

Common phrases: end a meeting, end a relationship, end the war