Final vs. Finals — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 28, 2024
Final refers to the last part or end of something, emphasizing completion, while finals often denote the series of last examinations or matches in a competition.
Difference Between Final and Finals
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Final is used to describe something that comes at the end or concludes a process, event, or series. It signifies completion and a definitive outcome, whether it's the final chapter of a book or the final stage of a project. On the other hand, finals often refer specifically to the last set of examinations at the end of an academic term or the concluding matches in a sports tournament, implying a series of events leading to a culmination.
In the context of education, the final can be an exam that determines a student's understanding of the entire course material, serving as a comprehensive assessment. Whereas, finals are a period at the end of a semester or quarter where students undertake these crucial exams across various subjects, marking a significant phase in their academic journey.
In sports, the term final is used to denote the last game or match in a tournament, determining the champion. Conversely, finals can refer to all the matches played in the final round of a tournament, highlighting the competitive process to achieve the ultimate victory.
Final decisions or outcomes are often irreversible and carry a sense of permanence, such as a final verdict in a legal case. Meanwhile, finals, especially in academic settings, might not necessarily signify an end but a transition to another academic level or phase in education.
The final version of a product, document, or work of art indicates its completed state, ready for public release or submission. Finals, in a different context, might not apply as they are more associated with events or assessments rather than the state of completion of objects or works.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Refers to the last part or conclusion of something.
Often denotes the series of last examinations or matches.
Context
Used broadly across various fields for concluding parts.
Primarily used in academic and sporting contexts.
Implication of End
Signifies a definitive end or completion.
Suggests a culmination of a series leading to an end.
Reversibility
Associated with decisions or outcomes that are final.
Can imply a phase leading to further development or stages.
Association with Time
Indicates the ultimate point or phase.
Refers to a period or round consisting of multiple events.
Compare with Definitions
Final
Final stage.
The project entered its final stage of development.
Finals
Finals week.
Finals week at the university was exceptionally stressful for students.
Final
Final decision.
The judge's final decision was not subject to appeal.
Finals
Semester finals.
Preparing for semester finals required balancing study time across all subjects.
Final
Final examination.
She studied extensively for her final examination in chemistry.
Finals
NBA Finals.
The Lakers made it to the NBA Finals after a dramatic series of games.
Final
Final version.
After much revision, the final version of the manuscript was ready.
Finals
World Cup Finals.
The World Cup Finals attracted millions of viewers worldwide.
Final
Final offer.
The salesperson made their final offer, leaving no room for further negotiation.
Finals
Finals matches.
The tennis player advanced to the finals matches of the tournament.
Final
Coming at the end of a series
The final version of the report was presented
Finals
Forming or occurring at the end; last
The final scene of a film.
Final
The last game in a sports tournament or other competition, which will decide the winner of the tournament.
Finals
Of or constituting the end result of a succession or process; ultimate
An act with both an immediate and a final purpose.
Final
A series of examinations at the end of a degree course
She was doing her history finals
Final
The principal note in a mode.
Final
The final approach of an aircraft to the runway it will be landing on
The plane piloted by Richards was on finals
Final
Forming or occurring at the end; last
The final scene of a film.
Final
Of or constituting the end result of a succession or process; ultimate
An act with both an immediate and a final purpose.
Final
A final examination; a test or examination given at the end of a term or class; the test that concludes a class.
Final
(Oxbridge slang) A final examination taken at the end of the final year of an undergraduate course, which contributes towards a student's degree classification.
Final
(sports) The last round, game or match in a contest, after which the winner is determined.
Final
(phonology) The final part of a syllable, the combination of medial and rime in phonetics and phonology.
Final
(music) The tonic or keynote of a Gregorian mode, and hence the final note of any conventional melody played in that mode.
Final
Last; ultimate.
Final solution;
The final day of a school term
Final
Conclusive; decisive.
A final judgment;
The battle of Waterloo brought the contest to a final issue
Final
Respecting an end or object to be gained; respecting the purpose or ultimate end in view.
Final
(grammar) Expressing purpose; as in the term final clause.
Final
(linguistics) Word-final, occurring at the end of a word.
Final
Pertaining to the end or conclusion; last; terminating; ultimate; as, the final day of a school term.
Yet despair not of his final pardon.
Final
Conclusive; decisive; as, a final judgment; the battle of Waterloo brought the contest to a final issue.
Final
Respecting an end or object to be gained; respecting the purpose or ultimate end in view.
Final
The final match between the winners of all previous matches in an elimination tournament
Final
An examination administered at the end of an academic term
Final
Occurring at or forming an end or termination;
His concluding words came as a surprise
The final chapter
The last days of the dinosaurs
Terminal leave
Final
Conclusive in a process or progression;
The final answer
A last resort
The net result
Final
Not to be altered or undone;
The judge's decision is final
The arbiter will have the last say
Common Curiosities
How is final different from finals in education?
Final refers to a singular concluding examination or assessment, while finals denote a period filled with several such examinations.
Can finals be considered more stressful than a single final?
Yes, finals involve multiple exams or matches, often increasing stress due to their cumulative nature.
Are finals always academic?
Primarily, but the term can also apply to the concluding series of games or matches in sports.
What is the significance of the final game in sports?
It determines the winner or champion of a tournament.
What are finals?
Finals are a series of last examinations or matches in an academic or sporting context.
Is the final version of a project similar to finals?
No, the final version indicates completion, while finals pertain to a series of concluding events or assessments.
Can there be a final in a non-academic or non-sporting context?
Yes, final can denote the end of any process, project, or event, across various contexts.
What makes finals in sports exciting?
The high stakes and culmination of a season’s efforts contribute to their excitement.
Do finals have to be taken in person?
Traditionally, yes, but online or take-home finals have become more common.
Can a final decision be appealed?
In most contexts, a final decision is seen as definitive and not subject to appeal.
What is the final?
The final refers to the last part or conclusion of something, emphasizing an end or completion.
How do finals affect student life?
They are a critical and stressful period that can significantly impact academic performance and stress levels.
How can students prepare for finals?
By reviewing the course material, practicing past papers, and managing their study time effectively.
Is the final version always the best version?
Ideally, it is the most refined and complete version, but "best" can be subjective.
Can finals be rescheduled?
In exceptional circumstances, such as emergencies, finals can be rescheduled by the institution.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
