Final \Fi"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.

Usage: 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)