End Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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end

[ษ›nd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

at the conclusion

The final part of something, especially a period of time, an event, or a story.

Synonyms

closure, conclusion, finish, termination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
end

Commonly used to refer to the point at which something stops. It is a general term and can be used in various situations.

  • At the end of the movie, everyone was in tears.
  • The end of the road was blocked by a fallen tree.
conclusion

Commonly used in contexts involving analysis, discussion, or argument. Often denotes finality of thought or action.

  • The scientist reached a conclusion after months of research.
  • In conclusion, the project was a success.
finish

Usually used when talking about completing an activity, task, or process.

  • He managed to finish the race despite his injury.
  • I need to finish my homework before I go out.
termination

Has a formal or legal connotation and is often used in employment or contracts. Can have a negative implication.

  • The company announced the termination of several employees.
  • The termination of the contract was unexpected.
closure

Often used to describe the resolution or conclusion, especially emotional or psychological. It tends to have a more formal or professional tone.

  • After the trial, the victims' families finally felt a sense of closure.
  • She sought closure by writing a letter to her estranged friend.

Examples of usage

  • Let's watch the movie until the end.
  • She worked hard from beginning to end.
Context #2 | Verb

to bring to a close

To come or bring to a final point; finish.

Synonyms

complete, conclude, finish, terminate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
end

Used for a general finishing point for actions, events, or things. It can be neutral or slightly negative if the end is unwanted.

  • The movie will end soon
  • The end of the year is approaching
conclude

Used in formal or academic contexts to refer to the finalizing of events, discussions, or pieces of writing.

  • The meeting will conclude at 4 PM
  • She concluded her speech with a strong message
terminate

Used in formal or business contexts, often implying an abrupt or forceful end. It can carry a negative or neutral connotation depending on the context.

  • The contract will be terminated if the conditions are not met
  • His employment was terminated yesterday
finish

Similar to 'complete', it is used in everyday conversations to indicate the bringing of activities to their final point.

  • I will finish my dinner and then we can go
  • He finished reading the book
complete

Used when something is brought to a state of wholeness or fulfillment, often implying a sense of accomplishment.

  • I need to complete my homework
  • The project was completed on time

Examples of usage

  • We need to end this meeting now.
  • The game ended in a tie.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often discuss the concept of an 'end' in terms of purpose or goal, such as Aristotleโ€™s 'final cause'.
  • In existential philosophy, the end of life prompts questions about meaning and legacy.
  • Many theories suggest that understanding the end of something can enrich the value we place on the moments leading up to it.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'the end' often appears in movies and books, signaling finality and closure.
  • Popular songs like 'The End' by The Doors and 'The End' by The Beatles explore themes of conclusion and reflection.
  • In fairy tales, stories often conclude with 'and they lived happily ever after,' indicating a definitive 'end.'

Science

  • In biology, every organism has a life cycle that concludes in death, representing a natural 'end'.
  • In physics, when considering the universe, scientists theorize about its eventual 'end' or state of heat death.
  • Calculus has a concept called 'limits,' which analyze the behavior of functions as they approach an 'end' value.

Literature

  • Many famous literary works, such as 'The Great Gatsby', are celebrated for their impactful endings.
  • Shakespeare's plays often feature dramatic endings that convey themes of fate and consequence.
  • Short stories frequently rely on a strong 'end' to deliver their message or twist, creating a lasting impression.

Origin of 'end'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'endian', which means 'to finish' or 'to come to an end'.
  • Related words in other languages include 'fin' in French and 'fine' in Italian, both meaning 'end' or 'finish'.
  • The term has been used in various forms in literature, dating back to ancient texts indicating closure or completion.

The word 'end' originated from the Old English word 'endian', meaning 'come to an end, bring to an end, bring to a conclusion'. It has been used in various contexts throughout history to signify the final part or conclusion of something.


See also: endeavor, endemic, ending, endless, endlessly, endpoint, unending.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #141, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.