Ending: meaning, definitions and examples

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ending

 

[ ˈɛndɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

grammar

The final part of a word, following the root or stem, that modifies the meaning of the word. It often indicates tense, number, or gender.

Synonyms

conclusion, suffix, termination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ending

Used to describe the final part of a story or event, often emotional or dramatic.

  • The movie had a surprising ending
  • She didn't like the ending of the book
suffix

Used in linguistics to describe a letter or group of letters added at the end of a word to change its meaning or form a different word.

  • The suffix '-ly' turns the adjective 'quick' into the adverb 'quickly'
  • The word 'happiness' has the suffix '-ness'
termination

Used to describe the act of ending something, often with a formal or negative connotation, such as in employment or contracts.

  • He faced termination from his job due to poor performance
  • The contract includes a termination clause
conclusion

Used in a more formal or analytical context to describe the final part or decision after considering all the facts.

  • After studying the data, we reached the conclusion that our hypothesis was correct
  • In conclusion, the project was a success

Examples of usage

  • In the word 'running', the 'ing' is the ending.
  • Adding an 's' to the noun 'cat' creates the plural form 'cats'.
Context #2 | Noun

conclusion

The last part of something; the conclusion or resolution.

Synonyms

closure, conclusion, finale.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ending

General term for the way something finishes or stops. Suitable for stories, events, and processes.

  • The ending of the movie was quite surprising
  • After a long day, the ending of the meeting couldn't come soon enough
conclusion

Implies a reasoned, logical end to something. Often used in academic or formal contexts.

  • In conclusion, the study shows promising results
  • After careful analysis, we reached the conclusion that more research is needed
finale

Refers to the last part of a performance or event that is especially dramatic or exciting. Often used in arts and entertainment.

  • The series finale kept everyone on the edge of their seats
  • The concert ended with a powerful finale
closure

Refers to bringing something to a complete stop, often with a sense of resolution or completion. Can be used in emotional or formal contexts.

  • She finally found closure after talking to her old friend
  • The company announced the closure of their main office

Examples of usage

  • The movie had a surprising ending.
  • They reached the ending of the book after hours of reading.
Context #3 | Verb

finishing

The action of bringing something to a final point or conclusion.

Synonyms

concluding, terminating, wrapping up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ending

Used to denote the final part of something, such as a movie, story, or event.

  • The ending of the movie was surprising.
  • She was satisfied with the book's ending.
concluding

Used to indicate the final statements or part of a formal event, discussion, or document. It often carries a formal tone.

  • In his concluding remarks, the CEO announced the new policy.
  • They are concluding the meeting with a summary.
terminating

Often used in a formal or official capacity, especially regarding agreements, contracts, or employment. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The company is terminating the contract.
  • He was terminated from his job.
wrapping up

Informal phrase used to indicate finishing up an activity or event, often implying a tidy or comprehensive conclusion.

  • Let's start wrapping up the meeting.
  • We're wrapping up the project today.

Examples of usage

  • She is ending her term as president.
  • The meeting ended with a round of applause.

Translations

Translations of the word "ending" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fim

🇮🇳 अंत

🇩🇪 Ende

🇮🇩 akhir

🇺🇦 кінець

🇵🇱 koniec

🇯🇵 終わり (owari)

🇫🇷 fin

🇪🇸 fin

🇹🇷 son

🇰🇷 끝 (kkeut)

🇸🇦 نهاية (nihaya)

🇨🇿 konec

🇸🇰 koniec

🇨🇳 结束 (jiéshù)

🇸🇮 konec

🇮🇸 endir

🇰🇿 соңы

🇬🇪 დასასრული (dasasruli)

🇦🇿 son

🇲🇽 fin

Etymology

The word 'ending' has Old English origins, with its root being 'end' and the suffix '-ing'. Over time, it has evolved to represent not just the final part of a word, but also the conclusion of various things. The concept of endings is deeply ingrained in human experience, symbolizing closure, completion, and transition to new beginnings.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,314, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.