finish

Formsfinishes, finishing, finished

Pluralfinishes

1. 1
   verbtransitive or intransitive

   To complete something, or to come to an end.

   Like coloring in the last bit of a picture so none is left blank.

   I finish my homework before dinner each night.

   She finished the puzzle in record time.

   UsageSay finish doing something (not incorrect: finish to do).

   Similarcomplete, end, conclude, finalize

   Oppositestart (entry), begin, commence

2. 2
   nouncountable

   The end of something, or the way it ends.

   Like the last page of a book.

   We watched the race from start to finish.

   The game had an exciting finish.

   UsageSay from start to finish or a close finish.

   Similarend, ending, conclusion, close, finale

   Oppositestart (entry), beginning, opening, outset

3. 3
   nouncountable

   The way a surface looks or feels after treatment, or the coating used to make it.

   Like a clear cover that keeps a surface safe.

   The table has a shiny finish.

   This finish protects the wood from water.

   UsageSay a shiny finish or a matte finish.

   Similarsurface, coating, texture, polish, glaze

4. 4
   fine workmanshipnouncountable or uncountable

   The last careful work that makes something neat and complete.

   Like the smooth final touches that make a drawing look complete.

   Her essay needs a bit more finish.

   The dancer performed with great finish.

   Similarpolish, refinement, sophistication, elegance

   Oppositecrudeness, roughness

5. 5
   verbtransitive

   To put a coating on a surface to protect it or make it look nice.

   Like painting a fence so the wood stays safe from rain.

   He finished the table with a coat of varnish.

   They finish each cabinet by hand.

   UsageSay finished with oil or finished with varnish.

   Similarcoat, treat, varnish, seal, polish

   Oppositestrip

   Note

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