How to pronounce final
Say it like FY-nul. Final has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FY).
- FY
- nul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Final pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- nulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of final
American and British speakers say final in essentially the same way: /ˈfaɪnəl/ in the US and /ˈfaɪnəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: FY-nul.
What does final mean?
- A final examination; a test or examination given at the end of a term or class; the test that concludes a class.
- A final examination taken at the end of the final year of an undergraduate course, which contributes towards a student's degree classification.
- The last round, game or match in a contest, after which the winner is determined.
- Last; ultimate.“final solution; the final day of a school term”
- Conclusive; decisive.“a final judgment; the battle of Waterloo brought the contest to a final issue”
- Respecting an end or object to be gained; respecting the purpose or ultimate end in view.
- To qualify for the final round of a competition.“Mike finalled in both the 400 meter and the 800 meter races.”
Where does final come from?
From Middle English final, fynal, fynall, from Old French final, from Latin fīnālis (“of or relating to the end or to boundaries”), from fīnis (“end”); see fine.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with final
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of final.
Questions about saying final
How do you pronounce final?
Say FY-nul. The American pronunciation is /ˈfaɪnəl/. In British English it is /ˈfaɪnəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in final?
Final has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FY). Broken into parts: FY · nul.
Do Americans and Brits say final the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈfaɪnəl/ and the British form is /ˈfaɪnəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.