Complete vs Finish
Difference between complete and finish seems non-existent due to the appearing similarity in the meaning of complete and finish. As a result, the two words, complete and finish, are often confused. There is of course some difference between their connotations. Hence, it is not correct to interchange them. The word complete is used in the sense of ‘entire’ or ‘total’. On the other hand, the word finish is usually used in the sense of ‘conclude’ or ‘end’. This is the main difference between the two words. The word complete is used as a verb, and in the sense of ‘to do entirely’. On the other hand, the word finish is also used as a verb, and it is used in the sense of ‘come to an end’.
What does Complete mean?
It is interesting to note that the word complete when used as an adjective gives the sense of ‘entire’ or ‘total’ as in the sentences given below.
The complete work was done by the team.
Francis read the complete book.
In both the sentences, the word complete is used as an adjective. Hence, the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘the entire work was done by the team’, and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘Francis read the entire book’.
Observe the two sentences wherein the word complete is used as a verb.
The work was completed by Angela quickly.
Robert could not complete the work in time.
In both the sentences, the word complete is used as a verb. Hence, the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘the work was done entirely by Angela quickly’, and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘Robert could not do the work entirely, in time’.
What does Finish mean?
The word finish is used in the sense of ‘conclude’ or ‘end’. Take a look at the following sentences to understand the usage of the word finish.
The story finished well indeed.
How are you going to finish the play?
In both the sentences, the word finish is used as a verb. Hence, the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘the story ended well indeed’, and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘how are you going to conclude the play?”
It is interesting to note that the word finish at times can be used as a noun too as in the examples given below.
The runner hit the finish in record time.
The movie had a great finish.
In both the sentences, the word finish is used as a noun.
“The runner hit the finish in record time.”
What is the difference between Complete and Finish?
• The word complete is used in the sense of ‘entire’ or ‘total’.
• On the other hand, the word finish is usually used in the sense of ‘conclude’ or ‘end’.
• The word complete is used as a verb, and in the sense of ‘to do entirely’.
• On the other hand, the word finish is also used as a verb, and it is used in the sense of ‘come to an end’.
• Complete can also be used as an adjective.
• Finish can also be used as a noun.