Fi"nal (fī"nal), a. [F.,
fr. L. finalis, fr. finis boundary, limit, end. See
Finish.] 1. Pertaining to the end or
conclusion; last; terminating; ultimate; as, the final day of
a school term.
Yet despair not of his final
pardon.
Milton.
2. Conclusive; decisive; as, a final
judgment; the battle of Waterloo brought the contest to a
final issue.
3. Respecting an end or object to be gained;
respecting the purpose or ultimate end in view.
Final cause. See under
Cause.
Syn. -- Final, Conclusive, Ultimate.
Final is now appropriated to that which brings with it an end;
as, a final adjustment; the final judgment, etc.
Conclusive implies the closing of all discussion, negotiation,
etc.; as, a conclusive argument or fact; a conclusive
arrangement. In using ultimate, we have always reference to
something earlier or proceeding; 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.
