Difference Between Final and Finale

Key Difference – Final vs Finale

Although Final and finale have the same meaning, there is a difference between the two words in usage. Final is an English word that means the last round of a match, game or a concert. But nowadays, it is being more and more replaced by finale, which is an Italian word that also signifies the end of a program or a match. The two words are almost same in meaning, but there are differences too. Final is usually fixed and occurs at a fixed time and date, whereas finale refers to the concluding part of any performance where the performer is reaching a crescendo. This is the main difference between the two words. Through this article let us examine the difference further.

What is Final?

Final refers to the last game in a tournament, deciding the overall winner. In many sports such as netball, rugby, basketball, the match that finishes the tournament is referred to as the final match. Here the matches cannot be referred to as the finale. This is one of the key differences between the two words, because although both highlights an end the usage of the word depends very much on the context in which it is being used.

Also final is the word that is used for examinations that are held annually, and here the word finale cannot be used. For example, the final examination is to be held on such and such date and time. Here you cannot use the word finale as it would not look appropriate. The word final denotes an end. Now let us move on to the word finale to comprehend the difference between the two words further.

What is Finale?

These days, Grand Finale is the word used to describe the last round of any reality programs which is also the round to decide the winner of the show. Finale was earlier reserved only for the concluding part of a concert where the performer raised the tempo and mesmerized the audience with his skills. Figuratively, it is used to refer to the last and the most important thing in the entire act.

These days, TV series that continue for many seasons usually have a finale every season that indicates the last episode for the season. For example, Master Chef, which is a reality show in Australian TV, has been continuing for many seasons, but every year has a grand finale where the winner of that season is declared.

There are some instances where the word finale cannot be used and the final moment of truth is one instance where finale can never be used. Now let us summarize the difference between the two words.

What is the Difference Between Final and Finale?

Definitions of Final and Finale:

Final: Final refers to the last game in a tournament, deciding the overall winner and is used for examinations that are held annually.

Finale: Finale is the word used to describe the last round of any reality programs which is also the round to decide the winner of the show and it is used to refers to the concluding part of any performance where the performer is reaching a crescendo. .

Characteristics of Final and Finale:

Origin:

Final: Final is an English word.

Finale: Finale has been taken from the Italian language.

Meaning:

Final: Final refers to the end.

Finale: Finales is reserved for the concluding part of a concert or a symphony where the performer reaches a crescendo. Nowadays, finale is replacing final more and more as it makes the announcement look more interesting.

Image Courtesy:

1.”Poland vs Belgium 2009 rugby (2)” by x-oph – Flickr: Rugby: Poland-Belgium 14:3 (5:0). [CC BY-SA 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons

2. “MITO Orchestra Sinfonica RAI” by MITO SettembreMusica – 4.IX Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della Rai. [CC BY 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons