Final vs. Last: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Final" denotes the ultimate or concluding part, while "Last" refers to the most recent or coming after all others.
Key Differences
"Final" and "Last" are terms often used interchangeably in the English language, but they can have nuanced differences. "Final" implies the absolute end, the conclusion of a series or process, suggesting there is nothing more to follow. Conversely, "Last" denotes something most recent or the one that comes after all others but doesn't always imply a conclusion.
For instance, in an academic setting, "Final" typically refers to the last examination at the end of a course, marking the culmination of the academic term. "Last," in the same context, might refer to the most recent test taken but not necessarily the concluding one.
In sequences, the term "Final" would imply the absolute end, as in the "final chapter" of a book, signifying there are no chapters following it. However, "Last" can be used in a similar context, as in the "last chapter I read," indicating it's the most recent one but not necessarily the end of the book.
If we consider events, "Final" emphasizes a definite end or conclusion. For instance, in sports, a "Final" match indicates the concluding game of a tournament. "Last" could mean the most recent game played, which might or might not be the concluding match.
Linguistically, both "Final" and "Last" can serve as adjectives, but their usage varies based on the context. "Final" has a stronger sense of conclusiveness, while "Last" emphasizes sequence or order without always hinting at an ending.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The ultimate or concluding part
The most recent or after all others
Connotation
Absolute end
Order in a sequence
Usage in Sequence
Signifies a definite conclusion
Refers to the most recent, may not be conclusive
Linguistic Function
Typically an adjective
Can be an adjective, noun, or adverb
Emphasis
Conclusiveness
Sequence or order
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Final and Last Definitions
Final
Denoting the last in a sequence. Example
The final item on the list was checked off.
Last
The only remaining.
This is the last piece of pie.
Final
Relating to the end of a period. Example
The final days of summer are approaching.
Last
Continuing for a specified period.
The movie will last two hours.
Final
Marking the conclusion of a competition. Example
The teams are preparing for the final match.
Last
Being, coming, or placed after all others; final
The last game of the season.
Final
Not to be altered or changed. Example
The final draft of the manuscript is ready.
Last
Being the only one left
His last nickel.
As a last resort.
Final
Forming or occurring at the end; last
The final scene of a film.
Last
Just past; most recent
Last year.
The last time I checked.
Final
Of or constituting the end result of a succession or process; ultimate
An act with both an immediate and a final purpose.
Last
Most up-to-date; newest
The last thing in swimwear.
Final
A final examination; a test or examination given at the end of a term or class; the test that concludes a class.
Last
Highest in extent or degree; utmost
To the last measure of human endurance.
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.
Last
Most valid, authoritative, or conclusive
The arbiter will have the last say in resolving this dispute.
Final
(sports) The last round, game or match in a contest, after which the winner is determined.
Last
Least likely or expected
The last person we would have suspected.
Final
(phonology) The final part of a syllable, the combination of medial and rime in phonetics and phonology.
Last
The least desirable or suitable
The last man for the job.
Final
(music) The tonic or keynote of a Gregorian mode, and hence the final note of any conventional melody played in that mode.
Last
Being the latest possible
Waited until the last second before boarding the train.
Final
Last; ultimate.
Final solution;
The final day of a school term
Last
Lowest in rank or importance
Last prize.
Last place.
Final
Conclusive; decisive.
A final judgment;
The battle of Waterloo brought the contest to a final issue
Last
Used as an intensive
Every last dollar was donated to charity.
Final
Respecting an end or object to be gained; respecting the purpose or ultimate end in view.
Last
Of or relating to a terminal period or stage, as of life
The last days of the dinosaurs.
Final
(grammar) Expressing purpose; as in the term final clause.
Last
Administered just before death
The last sacraments.
Final
(linguistics) Word-final, occurring at the end of a word.
Last
After all others in chronology or sequence
Arrived last.
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.
Last
Most recently
A fashion last popular in the 1940s.
Final
Conclusive; decisive; as, a final judgment; the battle of Waterloo brought the contest to a final issue.
Last
At the end; finally
Add the butter last.
Final
Respecting an end or object to be gained; respecting the purpose or ultimate end in view.
Last
One that is at the end or last
The last to be chosen.
On every page but the last.
Final
The final match between the winners of all previous matches in an elimination tournament
Last
The end
Held out until the last.
Final
An examination administered at the end of an academic term
Last
The final mention or appearance
Haven't seen the last of our troubles.
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
Last
A block or form shaped like a human foot and used in making or repairing shoes.
Final
Conclusive in a process or progression;
The final answer
A last resort
The net result
Last
A unit of volume or weight varying for different commodities and in different districts, equal to about 80 bushels, 640 gallons, or 2 tons.
Final
Not to be altered or undone;
The judge's decision is final
The arbiter will have the last say
Last
To continue in time; go on
The war lasted four years.
Final
The ultimate or conclusive part. Example
This is the final decision of the committee.
Last
To continue; survive
The patient is not expected to last much longer.
Last
To remain in good or usable condition
Produce lasts longer if it is refrigerated. I wanted a car that would last.
Last
To continue in force or practice
Wondered if the marriage would last.
Last
To remain in adequate supply
Will our water last?.
Last
To keep adequately supplied
Left enough bread to last the family for the weekend.
Last
To persist or endure for the entire length of; survive
Hoped to last the season without injuring her leg again.
Last
To mold or shape on a last.
Last
Final, ultimate, coming after all others of its kind.
“Eyes Wide Shut” was the last film to be directed by Stanley Kubrick.
Last
Most recent, latest, last so far.
The last time I saw him, he was married.
I have received your note dated the 17th last, and am responding to say that...}}.
Last
Farthest of all from a given quality, character, or condition; most unlikely, or least preferable.
He is the last person to be accused of theft.
The last person I want to meet is Helen.
More rain is the last thing we need right now.
Last
Being the only one remaining of its class.
Japan is the last empire.
Last
Supreme; highest in degree; utmost.
Last
Lowest in rank or degree.
The last prize
Last
The (one) immediately before the present.
We went there last year.
I was last to arrive.
Last
(of days of the week or months of the year) Closest in the past, or closest but one if the closest was very recent; of days, sometimes thought to specifically refer to the instance closest to seven days (one week) ago, or the most recent instance before seven days (one week) ago.
It's Wednesday, and the party was last Tuesday; that is, not yesterday, but eight days ago.
When you say last Monday, do you mean the Monday just gone, or the one before that?
Last
Most recently.
When we last met, he was based in Toronto.
Last
(sequence) after everything else; finally
I'll go last as I have to add the butter last.
Last but not least
Last
To perform, carry out.
Last
(intransitive) To endure, continue over time.
Summer seems to last longer each year.
They seem happy now, but that won't last long.
Last
(intransitive) To hold out, continue undefeated or entire.
I don't know how much longer we can last without reinforcements.
Last
To shape with a last; to fasten or fit to a last; to place smoothly on a last.
To last a boot
Last
A tool for shaping or preserving the shape of shoes.
Last
(obsolete) A burden; load; a cargo; freight.
Last
(obsolete) A measure of weight or quantity, varying in designation depending on the goods concerned.
Last
(obsolete) An old English (and Dutch) measure of the carrying capacity of a ship, equal to two tons.
Last
A load of some commodity with reference to its weight and commercial value.
Last
Of Last, to endure, contracted from lasteth.
Last
Being after all the others, similarly classed or considered, in time, place, or order of succession; following all the rest; final; hindmost; farthest; as, the last year of a century; the last man in a line of soldiers; the last page in a book; his last chance.
Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God.
Fairest of stars, last in the train of night.
Last
Next before the present; as, I saw him last week.
Last
Supreme; highest in degree; utmost.
Contending for principles of the last importance.
Last
Lowest in rank or degree; as, the a last place finish.
Last
Farthest of all from a given quality, character, or condition; most unlikely; having least fitness; as, he is the last person to be accused of theft.
And blunder on in business to the last.
Last
At a time or on an occasion which is the latest of all those spoken of or which have occurred; the last time; as, I saw him last in New York.
Last
In conclusion; finally; lastly.
Pleased with his idol, he commends, admires,Adores; and, last, the thing adored desires.
Last
At a time next preceding the present time.
How long is't now since last yourself and IWere in a mask ?
Last
To continue in time; to endure; to remain in existence.
[I] proffered me to be slave in all that she me would ordain while my life lasted.
Last
To endure use, or continue in existence, without impairment or exhaustion; as, this cloth lasts better than that; the fuel will last through the winter.
Last
To shape with a last; to fasten or fit to a last; to place smoothly on a last; as, to last a boot.
Last
A wooden block shaped like the human foot, on which boots and shoes are formed.
The cobbler is not to go beyond his last.
Last
A load; a heavy burden; hence, a certain weight or measure, generally estimated at 4,000 lbs., but varying for different articles and in different countries. In England, a last of codfish, white herrings, meal, or ashes, is twelve barrels; a last of corn, ten quarters, or eighty bushels, in some parts of England, twenty-one quarters; of gunpowder, twenty-four barrels, each containing 100 lbs; of red herrings, twenty cades, or 20,000; of hides, twelve dozen; of leather, twenty dickers; of pitch and tar, fourteen barrels; of wool, twelve sacks; of flax or feathers, 1,700 lbs.
Last
The burden of a ship; a cargo.
Last
The temporal end; the concluding time;
The stopping point of each round was signaled by a bell
The market was up at the finish
They were playing better at the close of the season
Last
The last or lowest in an ordering or series;
He was the last to leave
He finished an inglorious last
Last
A person's dying act; the last thing a person can do;
He breathed his last
Last
The time at which life ends; continuing until dead;
She stayed until his death
A struggle to the last
Last
A unit of weight equal to 4,000 pounds
Last
A unit of capacity for grain equal to 80 bushels
Last
The concluding parts of an event or occurrence;
The end was exciting
I had to miss the last of the movie
Last
Holding device shaped like a human foot that is used to fashion or repair shoes
Last
Persist or be long; in time;
The bad weather lasted for three days
Last
Continue to live; endure or last;
We went without water and food for 3 days
These superstitions survive in the backwaters of America
The racecar driver lived through several very serious accidents
Last
Immediately past;
Last Thursday
The last chapter we read
Last
Coming after all others in time or space or degree or being the only one remaining;
The last time I saw Paris
The last day of the month
Had the last word
Waited until the last minute
He raised his voice in a last supreme call
The last game of the season
Down to his last nickel
Going from sitting to standing without intermediate pushes with the hands
Intermediate stages in a process
Intermediate stops on the route
An intermediate level
Last
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
Last
Conclusive in a process or progression;
The final answer
A last resort
The net result
Last
Most unlikely or unsuitable;
The last person we would have suspected
The last man they would have chosen for the job
Last
Occurring at the time of death;
His last words
The last rites
Last
Not to be altered or undone;
The judge's decision is final
The arbiter will have the last say
Last
Lowest in rank or importance;
Last prize
In last place
Last
Highest in extent or degree;
To the last measure of human endurance
Whether they were accomplices in the last degree or a lesser one was...to be determined individually
Last
In accord with the most fashionable ideas or style;
Wears only the latest style
The last thing in swimwear
Knows the newest dances
Cutting-edge technology
A with-it boutique
Last
More recently than any other time;
I saw him last in London
Last
The item at the end;
Last, I'll discuss family values
Last
Coming after all others in sequence.
She was the last to arrive.
Last
The most recent.
The last movie I watched was thrilling.
Last
Referring to a period of time just past.
We met him last week.
FAQs
Can "Final" be used to describe an opinion?
Yes, as in "That's my final decision," meaning the decision won't change.
Are "Final" and "Last" synonyms?
While often used interchangeably, they can have different nuances; "Final" suggests an absolute end while "Last" denotes order or the most recent.
Can "Last" serve as an adverb?
Yes, as in "I saw him last year."
Is "Final" used in academic contexts?
Yes, as in "final examination" which denotes the concluding test in a course.
Can a "Last" event be followed by another event?
Yes, "Last" denotes order, so it refers to the most recent but not necessarily the concluding event.
Can "Last" be used as a noun?
Yes, as in "She's the last of her kind."
Is "Last" always followed by another event or item?
No, "Last" can sometimes indicate the end, but it doesn't have the strong conclusiveness of "Final".
Can "Last" mean "Final"?
In many contexts, they can be used similarly, but "Last" doesn't always imply a conclusion like "Final" does.
Which has a stronger sense of conclusiveness?
"Final" has a stronger sense of conclusiveness compared to "Last".
Is "Final" always the end of something?
Typically, "Final" denotes an end or conclusion of something.
What's the "Last" book you read?
"Last" in this context refers to the most recent book read.
Does "Final" always come after "Last"?
Not necessarily. While "Final" implies a conclusion, "Last" denotes sequence, so something can be "last" but not "final."
How do I know when to use "Final" or "Last"?
Consider context; use "Final" for emphasis on conclusiveness and "Last" for order or sequence.
How can "Final" be used in sports?
In sports, "Final" often refers to the concluding match or round of a tournament.
Can both words be used in a sentence together?
Yes, as in "Her last performance was the final event of the evening."
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
