τελικά
Wordform Details
Translation: finallyeventuallyin the end
Part of Speech: adverb
Inflection Type:
invariableIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: τελικά
Translation: finally; in the end; eventually; ultimately; after all (adverb)
Etymology: Derived from the adjective τελικός (final, ultimate) plus the adverbial suffix -ά. The root comes from ancient Greek τέλος (telos) meaning 'end, goal, completion', which is cognate with English 'teleology' (study of purpose/ends). This same root appears in English words like 'telephone' (distant sound), 'television' (distant vision), and 'telescope' (distant viewing). The concept of 'telos' as ultimate purpose or final cause was central to Aristotelian philosophy, making this a word rich with philosophical heritage about completion and finality.
Example Usage
Τελικά, αποφάσισα να μην πάω στο πάρτι.
In the end, I decided not to go to the party.
Τελικά ήρθες! Σε περιμέναμε ώρες.
You finally came! We've been waiting for hours.
Τι έγινε τελικά με την αίτησή σου;
What happened eventually with your application?
Τελικά, δεν είχε και τόση σημασία.
In the end, it didn't matter that much.
Τελικά πήγαμε στο σινεμά.
We finally went to the cinema.
Τελικά είχες δίκιο.
You were right after all.
Τι έγινε τελικά με τη δουλειά;
What happened with the job in the end?
Mnemonics
- Think 'telos' (end) + 'finally' - both start with similar sounds
- Remember 'telephone' and 'television' share the same Greek root meaning completion/distance
Cultural Context
Very commonly used in everyday Greek conversation to express resolution or conclusion. Often used when recounting events or when something happens after delay or uncertainty. Can also express mild resignation or acceptance of an outcome.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: τελικά means 'finally/in the end' (temporal conclusion), while τελευταία means 'last/latest' (position in sequence or recent time)
Confused word:
Αυτή είναι η τελευταία φορά.
This is the last time.
Notes: Both relate to endings but τελικά emphasizes the process reaching conclusion while τελευταία emphasizes position or recency
Mnemonic: τελικά = finally (conclusion), τελευταία = last (position)