Finial: meaning, definitions and examples

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finial

 

[ ˈfɪnɪəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

end of a competition or event

The finial is the ultimate goal for many athletes, representing years of hard work and dedication. It is a symbol of achievement and success.

Synonyms

climax, culmination, pinnacle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
finial

Finial refers to an ornament at the top of a building or a piece of furniture, often decorative and architectural. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation, more typical in architectural discussions or descriptions.

  • The finial on top of the ancient tower was intricately designed.
  • The furniture's finial added a touch of elegance to the piece.
culmination

Culmination refers to the highest or climactic point of something, especially after a long period of development. It is used in contexts of progress or achievement, such as events, processes, or efforts.

  • Graduation day was the culmination of years of hard work.
  • The concert was the culmination of months of preparation.
climax

Climax is mainly used in storytelling, literature, and speeches to describe the most intense or exciting part of a sequence of events. It is often the turning point or the most significant moment.

  • The story reached its climax when the hero faced the villain.
  • The movie's climax was thrilling and unexpected.
pinnacle

Pinnacle denotes the highest point or peak of success, power, or achievement. It often implies reaching the topmost level in a particular field or endeavor.

  • Winning the championship was the pinnacle of his career.
  • The pinnacle of the mountain offered a breathtaking view.

Examples of usage

  • The marathon runner crossed the finish line, reaching the finial of the race.
  • After months of intense training, the gymnast finally achieved her dream of standing on the finial podium.
  • The crowning finial of the chess tournament was a tense match between the two grandmasters.

Etymology

The word 'finial' originated from the Latin word 'finis', meaning end or boundary. In architecture, a finial is a decorative element often found at the top or end of a structure, symbolizing completion or finality. Over time, the term 'finial' has been adopted in various contexts to signify the ultimate point or achievement.

See also: fin, final, finance, finch, finish.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,090 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.