Lastly vs. Finally — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
Lastly refers to the final point in a list or argument, often emphasizing sequence, while finally suggests the conclusion of a process or wait, highlighting completion or resolution.
Difference Between Lastly and Finally
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lastly is used when enumerating points or items in a sequence, indicating the transition to the final point. It helps structure arguments or lists, providing clarity on the order of presentation. On the other hand, finally is employed to denote the end of a period of waiting, effort, or a series of events, often conveying a sense of relief or culmination. It implies that what follows has been long anticipated or is the result of a significant buildup.
In writing and speech, lastly can be used to introduce the last item in a series without implying any prolonged anticipation or struggle leading up to that point. It serves a more organizational role, aiding in the clear delineation of ideas or steps. Conversely, finally carries with it an emotional or temporal weight, suggesting that the conclusion or outcome was either eagerly awaited or marks the end of a considerable duration or effort.
The choice between lastly and finally can affect the tone and implication of a statement. Using lastly focuses the listener's or reader's attention on the structure and sequence, without necessarily indicating anything about the duration or emotional journey. However, finally hints at a process or journey coming to an end, potentially invoking feelings of satisfaction, relief, or even impatience.
In academic or professional writing, lastly might be preferred for its neutrality in organizing content, especially in bulleted or numbered lists where the emphasis is on order. In contrast, finally might be chosen to emphasize the conclusion of a significant research finding, project, or lengthy discussion, marking its significance within the broader context.
Understanding the nuanced difference between lastly and finally enhances the precision of language use, enabling more effective communication. By choosing the word that best fits the context—be it the orderly presentation of points or the culmination of a process—speakers and writers can convey their messages more clearly and evoke the intended response from their audience.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Introducing the final item in a list or sequence.
Indicating the end of a period or process.
Connotation
Neutral, focusing on order and structure.
Often conveys relief, culmination, or completion.
Context
Structured arguments, presentations, or lists.
Narratives, stories, processes, or long-awaited conclusions.
Emotional Weight
Minimal, if any; more about logic and order.
Can be significant, suggesting anticipation or relief.
Example in Sentence
"Lastly, we will review the budget proposals."
"Finally, after months of hard work, the project was complete."
Compare with Definitions
Lastly
Mostly neutral, focusing on the organizational aspect.
Lastly, I’d like to thank my team for their dedication.
Finally
It carries emotional or temporal weight, implying culmination.
Finally, we reached the summit after a grueling climb.
Lastly
Ideal for structured presentations or academic writing.
Lastly, the study suggests further investigation is warranted.
Finally
Often used to express relief or conclusion of an effort.
Finally, the long-awaited verdict was announced.
Lastly
Lastly is used to introduce the final item in a sequence or list.
Lastly, ensure to turn off the lights before leaving.
Finally
Indicates a significant point or outcome has been achieved.
Finally, the research confirms our hypothesis.
Lastly
Common in both spoken and written contexts for clarity.
Lastly, this point brings us to the need for more research.
Finally
Finally suggests the end of a process or waiting period.
Finally, after years of development, the software was launched.
Lastly
It signifies the end of an enumeration without implying duration.
Our agenda covers three points: firstly, secondly, and lastly, our future plans.
Finally
Suitable for narratives or when concluding discussions.
Finally, it’s important to note the impact of these findings.
Lastly
Being, coming, or placed after all others; final
The last game of the season.
Finally
Forming or occurring at the end; last
The final scene of a film.
Lastly
Being the only one left
His last nickel.
As a last resort.
Finally
Of or constituting the end result of a succession or process; ultimate
An act with both an immediate and a final purpose.
Lastly
Just past; most recent
Last year.
The last time I checked.
Finally
At the end or conclusion; ultimately.
The contest was long, but the Romans finally conquered.
Lastly
Most up-to-date; newest
The last thing in swimwear.
Finally
(sequence) To finish (with); lastly (in the present).
Finally, I washed my dog.
Lastly
Highest in extent or degree; utmost
To the last measure of human endurance.
Finally
(manner) Definitively, comprehensively.
The question of his long-term success has now been finally settled.
Lastly
Most valid, authoritative, or conclusive
The arbiter will have the last say in resolving this dispute.
Finally
At the end or conclusion; ultimately; lastly; as, the contest was long, but the Romans finally conquered.
Whom patience finally must crown.
Lastly
Least likely or expected
The last person we would have suspected.
Finally
Completely; beyond recovery.
Not any house of noble English in Ireland was utterly destroyed or finally rooted out.
Lastly
The least desirable or suitable
The last man for the job.
Finally
After a long period of time or an especially long delay;
At length they arrived
Lastly
Being the latest possible
Waited until the last second before boarding the train.
Finally
The item at the end;
Last, I'll discuss family values
Lastly
Lowest in rank or importance
Last prize.
Last place.
Finally
As the end result of a succession or process;
Ultimately he had to give in
At long last the winter was over
Lastly
Used as an intensive
Every last dollar was donated to charity.
Lastly
Of or relating to a terminal period or stage, as of life
The last days of the dinosaurs.
Lastly
Administered just before death
The last sacraments.
Lastly
After all others in chronology or sequence
Arrived last.
Lastly
Most recently
A fashion last popular in the 1940s.
Lastly
At the end; finally
Add the butter last.
Lastly
One that is at the end or last
The last to be chosen.
On every page but the last.
Lastly
The end
Held out until the last.
Lastly
The final mention or appearance
Haven't seen the last of our troubles.
Lastly
(sequence) Used to mark the beginning of the last in a list of items or propositions.
Firstly, that's illegal; secondly, it has serious disadvantages; thirdly, it's not necessary; and lastly, did I mention that it's illegal?
Lastly
(discourse marker) Used to signal that the speaker is about to yield control of the conversation.
Lastly
In the last place; in conclusion.
Lastly
At last; finally.
Lastly
The item at the end;
Last, I'll discuss family values
Common Curiosities
When should I use lastly instead of finally?
Use lastly when listing items or points in order to emphasize sequence, without implying a long process or anticipation.
Can finally be used to express satisfaction or relief?
Yes, finally is commonly used to express satisfaction, relief, or the culmination of something eagerly awaited.
Can finally and lastly be used interchangeably?
While sometimes used interchangeably in casual contexts, they have different connotations; finally suggests completion after a wait, whereas lastly refers to the last item in a sequence.
Is finally always related to time?
Yes, finally often relates to the conclusion of a period or process, implying an aspect of time.
Does lastly imply anything about the importance of the final point?
No, lastly does not inherently imply greater importance of the final point; it simply indicates its position as the last in a sequence.
How does finally affect the tone of a statement?
Finally can add a tone of resolution, culmination, or relief to a statement, depending on the context.
Can the use of lastly or finally change the perceived meaning of a sentence?
Yes, choosing between lastly and finally can subtly change the perceived meaning or emphasis of a sentence.
Can the use of finally imply anticipation or eagerness?
Yes, finally often implies that something was anticipated or eagerly awaited, suggesting a build-up to the moment.
Is it appropriate to use lastly in formal writing?
Yes, lastly is appropriate and commonly used in formal writing to structure lists or points in a clear manner.
Is it common to use finally in academic conclusions?
Yes, using finally in academic conclusions can underscore the significance of the findings or the end of a comprehensive discussion.
How do lastly and finally differ in their implications for the audience?
Lastly directs the audience to expect an end to a list or sequence, while finally prepares them for a significant conclusion or the resolution of a process.
Is finally more suited for narrative or descriptive contexts?
Yes, finally is well-suited for narrative or descriptive contexts where the conclusion of a process or period is being emphasized.
How does finally contribute to storytelling or narrative writing?
Finally can add dramatic weight to storytelling, marking the resolution of conflicts or the end of a journey.
Does using lastly in a presentation help with clarity?
Yes, using lastly can help clarify the structure of a presentation, especially when listing points or concluding segments.
Does lastly carry any emotional weight?
Typically, lastly carries minimal emotional weight, as it is more focused on structure and sequence.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-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.
