final

The last match or round of a competition, which decides the winner.

• Our team reached the final.
• They lost the final by one goal.
• Who will play in the tennis final?

Similar words: championship match

Common phrases: cup final, reach the final, win the final

An exam taken at the end of a course or school term.

• My biology final is tomorrow.
• She studied all weekend for her finals.
• Did you pass your chemistry final?

Similar words: final exam

Common phrases: take a final, study for finals, final exam

Coming after all the others, with nothing more following.

• This is our final day here.
• Have you read the final chapter?
• They made a few changes to the final version.

Similar words: last, closing

Opposites: first, initial

Common phrases: final day, final chapter, final stage

Settling a matter so that it cannot be changed or discussed again.

• My decision is final.
• The judge gave a final ruling.
• We need a final answer before work can begin.

Similar words: conclusive, definitive, decisive

Common phrases: final decision, final judgment, be final

To qualify for the last round of a competition.

• Both swimmers finalled yesterday.
• He finalled in two events at the championship.
• She hopes to final in the sprint next year.

How to use it: final in something (She finalled in the butterfly event.)

Similar words: reach the final

Common phrases: final in something, final at something