Fī'nal, a.
a. [Lat. finalis, from finis, boundary, limit, end; Fr., Pr., Sp., & Pg. final, It. finale.] 1. Pertaining to the end or conclusion; last; terminating; ultimate; as, the final issue or event of things; final hope; final salvation. Yet despair not of his final pardon. Milton.
- Conclusive; decisive; mortal; as, a final judgment; the battle of Waterloo brought the contest to a final issue.
- Respecting the end or object to be gained; respecting the purpose or ultimate end in view; as, the final cause is that for the sake of which any thing is done; — distinguished from the efficient cause.
Syn. — FINAL, CONCLUSIVE, ULTIMATE. Final is now appropriated to that which brings with it an end; as, a final adjustment, the final judgment, &c. Conclusive implies the closing of all future discussion, negotiation, &c.; as, a conclusive argument or fact, a conclusive arrangement. In using ultimate, we have always reference to something earlier or preceding; as when we say, a temporary reverse may lead to an ultimate triumph. The statements which a man finally makes at the close of a negotiation, are usually conclusive as to his ultimate intentions and designs.