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Finalize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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finalize

[ˈfaɪnəˌlaɪz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

completion

To put into final form; complete or settle. To arrange, organize, or complete something in a final form.

Synonyms

complete, conclude, finish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
finalize

Often used in business or formal settings when referring to wrapping up details or formal agreements.

  • We need to finalize the contract before the end of the month.
  • After much discussion, they finally finalized the plans for the event.
complete

Used in a broad sense for finishing tasks, assignments, or projects.

  • Have you completed your homework?
  • The construction team will complete the building by next spring.
finish

Commonly used in everyday language to indicate the end of an activity. It can sometimes have a less formal tone.

  • I need to finish this book by tomorrow.
  • They finished the race in record time.
conclude

Best used when wrapping up speeches, meetings, or discussions. It can also refer to reaching a decision or opinion.

  • The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote.
  • To conclude, I want to thank everyone for their hard work.

Examples of usage

  • Please finalize the budget for the project by the end of the week.
  • After hours of discussion, they were finally able to finalize the details of the contract.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Business

  • In project management, to finalize means to confirm all essential details before launch.
  • The finalization phase is often crucial in negotiations, ensuring both parties agree on the terms.
  • Many companies use specific software to help teams finalize documents and plans efficiently.

Psychology

  • Finalizing decisions can reduce anxiety by providing closure and clarity.
  • The act of finalizing encourages commitment, making decisions feel more permanent.
  • Research suggests that people are generally happier after finalizing a choice than while deliberating.

Literature

  • In storytelling, finalizing plot twists can leave a lasting impact on the audience.
  • Authors often take time to finalize their drafts, ensuring every detail supports the overall theme.
  • Literary works sometimes reflect the importance of finality, exploring themes of endings and new beginnings.

Technology

  • Software development often involves a finalization stage where bugs are fixed before a product goes live.
  • Finalizing data reports involves ensuring accuracy and completeness for informed decision-making.
  • In app design, finalization ensures user interface elements are polished and user-friendly before release.

Origin of 'finalize'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'finalis', meaning 'of or pertaining to an end'.
  • It first appeared in English in the late 1800s, evolving from the earlier term 'final'.
  • Initially used in legal and formal contexts, it has since expanded to everyday use.

The word 'finalize' originated from the combination of the prefix 'final-' and the suffix '-ize', which is derived from the Greek suffix '-izein', meaning 'to make' or 'to become'. The term first appeared in the early 19th century and has since become widely used in the English language to refer to the process of completing or settling something.

See also: finale, finalizer, finally.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,421, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.