final | Search Online Etymology Dictionary

final (adj.)

early 14c., from Old French final "final, last," and directly from Late Latin finalis "of or pertaining to an end, concluding, final," from finis "end" (see finish (v.)). As a noun, late 14c., "that which comes last;" meaning "final contest" in a sporting sense is from 1880. As a shortening of final examination, from 1880.

finals (n.)

short for final exams, by 1890; see final (adj.).

finally (adv.)

late 14c., fynaly "at the end;" c. 1400, "completely, beyond recovery;" from final + -ly (2).

finalize (v.)

1850, from final + -ize. Related: Finalized; finalizing.

finalist (n.)

"competitor remaining after eliminations," 1896, from final + -ist. Earlier "one who believes the end has been reached" (1883).

finial (n.)

"ornament at the top of a spire, gable, etc.," mid-15c., from fyniall "putting an end to, binding" (early 15c.), a variant of final.

finale (n.)

1783, a musical term, from noun use of Italian finale "final," from Latin finalis "of or pertaining to an end" (see final). From 1724 as an Italian word in English. Figurative use by 1810.

semifinal (adj.)

also semi-final, in sports, in reference to the match or round immediately proceeding the final one, 1867, from semi- + final. As a noun from 1868.

finality (n.)

1540s, "a goal, a guiding object," from French finalité, from Late Latin finalitatem (nominative finalitas) "state of being final," from Latin finalis "last, of or pertaining to an end" (see final). From 1833 as "quality or state of being final."

final solution (n.)

1947, translation of German Endlösung, name given to Nazi Jewish policy from 1941.

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