Finalized
/ˈfaɪnəlaɪzd/
Definitions
To bring something to a conclusion; to complete or finish something, making it definite or certain.
/ˈfaɪnəlaɪzd/
To complete or conclude something.
The plans for the new building were finalized this morning.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're working on a big project, like building a Lego castle. When you've added the last brick, you've finalized it! It's done and ready.
👶 For kids: To finish something completely, like the last page of a book!
More Examples
After much discussion, the committee finalized their decision.
The editor finalized the manuscript before sending it to the publisher.
How It's Used
"The contract was finalized after weeks of negotiation."
"The divorce proceedings were finalized in court."
From the adjective "final" (late 14th century) + the suffix "-ize" (to make or become) + "-ed" (past tense/past participle). The word implies bringing something to a conclusion or making it complete.
The word gained increasing prominence in legal and business contexts throughout the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think of the final whistle in a game – it finalizes the result.