finish
finish
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "finish" is /ˈfɪnɪʃ/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
fin: /fɪn/
/f/ as in "fan"
/ɪ/ as in "bit"
/n/ as in "nap"
ish: /ɪʃ/
/ɪ/ as in "bit"
/ʃ/ as in "ship"
Word Form Variations
finish (noun - singular): The act or process of completing something. Example: The finish of the race was exciting.
finishes (noun - plural): Multiple acts or processes of completing something. Example: The artist displayed her finishes. Also, the third-person singular present tense of the verb. Example: He finishes his work on time.
finished (verb - past tense/past participle): Completed. Example: I finished my homework. Also used as an adjective: The finished product looked great.
finishing (verb - present participle/gerund): In the process of completing something. Example: I am finishing my dinner. Also used as an adjective: The finishing touches were perfect.
finisher (noun - singular): One who finishes something, especially in a race. Example: She was a strong finisher.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1: The concluding part of something; the end.
Synonyms: conclusion, end, completion, termination, climax, finale
Antonyms: beginning, start, commencement, opening
Example: The finish of the marathon was exhilarating.
Definition 2: The way the surface of something looks or feels after it has been completed.
Synonyms: surface, texture, polish, sheen, luster, coating
Antonyms: (for this definition, antonyms are less direct and relate to a lack of finish or raw state) unfinished state, rough surface, unpolished
Example: The furniture had a beautiful, smooth finish.
Definition 3: (Sports) A competitor who performs well at the end of a race or competition.
Synonyms: closer, strong finisher, late charger
Antonyms: early leader, frontrunner (though these aren't perfect opposites)
Example: He was known as a strong finisher, often overtaking his rivals in the final stages.
Verb:
Definition 1: To bring something to an end; to complete.
Synonyms: complete, conclude, end, terminate, accomplish, achieve, finalize
Antonyms: begin, start, commence, initiate, launch
Example: I need to finish this report by Friday.
Definition 2: To use up or consume entirely.
Synonyms: deplete, exhaust, consume, use up, empty
Antonyms: replenish, refill, restock, fill
Example: We finished all the milk.
Definition 3: To apply a final treatment or coating to a surface.
Synonyms: polish, refine, coat, treat, varnish, lacquer
Antonyms: roughen, strip, damage
Example: They finished the wood with a clear varnish.
Adjective:
Definition 1: (Describing a product) Ready for sale or use; completed.
Synonyms: complete, finalized, ready, prepared, done
Antonyms: unfinished, incomplete, raw, in progress
Example: The finished product looked much better than the prototype.
Adverb:
While "finish" isn't commonly used as an adverb, you could use "finally" or "in the end" to convey a similar sense of completion. For example, instead of "Finish the race!", you'd say "Finally, you've reached the finish line!" or "He won in the end."
Examples of Use
Noun (End/Conclusion):
Book: "The finish of the novel left me completely satisfied." (Fictional example - similar phrasing is common in book reviews and discussions).
News Article: "The marathon's finish line was packed with cheering spectators." (Example of general news reporting – you can find similar phrasing in sports news).
Online Publication: "The finish of the software update caused some unexpected issues." (Example of tech news or forum discussions).
Entertainment (Movie): "The movie had a surprising finish." (Common phrase used in movie reviews and discussions).
Public Discourse: "We need to see this project through to its finish." (Used in business, politics, and everyday conversations).
Noun (Surface/Texture):
Catalog: "The table has a beautiful, hand-rubbed finish." (Common in furniture or product descriptions).
Online Forum: "I'm looking for a paint with a matte finish." (Example of DIY or home improvement discussions).
Verb (Complete):
Book: "She needed to finish her research before the deadline." (Common in academic or professional contexts within books).
News Article: "The construction crew worked hard to finish the bridge on time." (Example of news reporting on projects).
Online Publication: "I finally managed to finish reading that long article." (Example of personal accounts or blog posts).
Entertainment (Video Game): "You have to finish all the levels to unlock the bonus content." (Common in gaming contexts).
Public Discourse: "Let's finish this meeting and go grab some lunch." (Used in business, meetings, and everyday conversations).
Verb (Consume):
Blog Post: "We finished all the snacks in record time." (Example of personal blogs or social media posts).
Public Discourse: "They finished the entire pizza." (Used in casual conversation).
Adjective (Completed):
Website: "Here is the finished version of the design." (Common in design or development contexts).
Public Discourse: "The finished product is ready for delivery." (Used in business and sales).
10 Famous Quotes Using Finish
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” — Nelson Mandela (often quoted about finishing what feels unfinishable)
“Many will start fast, few will finish strong.” — Gary Ryan Blair
“You don’t have to be extreme, just consistent enough to finish.” — Original
“To finish a thing is great. To finish it well is rare.” — Original
“The finish line is just the beginning of a whole new race.” — Original
“Start with purpose, push with passion, finish with pride.” — Original
“Don’t be afraid to start over. This time, you’re not starting from scratch — you’re starting from experience, and you’ll finish differently.” — Original
“Anyone can begin a journey. The ones who finish are the ones who keep walking even when it hurts.” — Original
“Sometimes the hardest part isn’t starting, it’s staying long enough to finish.” — Original
“Finishing isn’t about reaching the end — it’s about becoming the version of yourself who could.” — Original
Etymology
Essentially, "finish" comes from Latin! It's rooted in the word "finis," which meant "end," "boundary," or "limit." Think of it like the fine line at the end of a race.
This Latin word "finis" traveled into Old French as "finir," meaning "to end" or "to finish." Then, it made its way into English around the 14th century (so, we're talking the 1300s).
When it first appeared in English, "finish" had a similar meaning to its Latin and French ancestors: to bring something to an end, to complete it. So, the earliest uses of the word were about completing tasks or reaching the end of something.
Over time, the word's meaning broadened a bit. It came to also describe the surface appearance of something (like the "finish" on a piece of furniture) and, in sports, a competitor who performs strongly at the end of a race (a "strong finisher"). But at its core, the idea of "end" or "completion" has always been central to the word's meaning, tracing all the way back to that Latin "finis."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Finish
Phrases & Idioms Using "Finish":
To finish strong: This idiom means to complete something with a burst of energy and effort, often implying a good result despite potential earlier struggles. It's commonly used in sports and business contexts.
Finish line: This literally refers to the end of a race, but figuratively, it can represent the end goal of any project or endeavor. "We're nearing the finish line on this project" means we're almost done.
Finishing touches: These are the final small details added to something to perfect it. It suggests that the main work is done, but these small additions make it complete.
Unfinished business: This refers to matters that still need to be resolved or completed. It implies a sense of lingering responsibility or loose ends.
To finish someone off: This idiom, while a bit harsh, means to completely defeat or destroy someone, either literally or figuratively.
Why "Finish" Isn't as Common in Idioms:
As mentioned before, "finish" often gets overshadowed by its synonyms. "End" is a very common word in idioms ("the end of the road," "at the end of my rope"). "Complete" also appears in idioms ("a complete turnaround"). "Done" is also very common ("done and dusted," "I'm done"). These words often fit the nuance of the intended idiom better or are simply more ingrained in everyday language.
Phrases and Idioms with Synonyms (to capture the spirit of finishing):
To bring something to a close: (Similar to finishing something)
To wrap something up: (Similar to finishing something)
To put the final touches on something: (Similar to adding finishing touches)
To tie up loose ends: (Similar to dealing with unfinished business)
To be done and dusted: (Similar to having finished something completely)
To call it a day: (Similar to finishing work for the day)
To reach the end of one's rope: (Figuratively, reaching the "finish" of one's patience or endurance)
To see something through to the end: (Similar to finishing something)
Original Phrases (to illustrate the concept):
"The sweet taste of finish" (referring to the satisfaction of completing a challenging task)
"A race well finished is a victory in itself" (emphasizing the value of completing something regardless of the outcome)
While "finish" itself might not be the star of many common idioms, the concept of finishing, completing, and ending is richly represented in the English language through various phrases and idioms, many of which use synonyms.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of finish from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
