Dictionary
finalize
verb fi·nal·ize \ˈfī-nə-ˌlīz\
: to put (something, such as a plan or an agreement) in a final or finished form
fi·nal·izedfi·nal·iz·ing
Full Definition of FINALIZE
transitive verb
1
: to put in final or finished form <soon my conclusion will be finalized — D. D. Eisenhower>
2
: to give final approval to <finalizing the papers prepared … by his staff — Newsweek>
— fi·nal·i·za·tion \ˌfī-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ noun
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Usage Discussion of FINALIZE
Finalize has been frequently castigated as an unnecessary neologism or as United States government gobbledygook. It appears to have first gained currency in Australia (where it has been acceptable all along) in the early 1920s. The United States Navy picked it up in the late 20s, and from there it came into widespread use. It is a standard formation (see -ize ). Currently, it is most frequently used in government and business dealings; it usually is not found in belles-lettres.
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First Known Use of FINALIZE
1901
FINALIZE Defined for Kids
finalize
verb fi·nal·ize \ˈfī-nə-ˌlīz\
fi·nal·izedfi·nal·iz·ing
Definition of FINALIZE for Kids
: to put in a final or finished form <… Hermione ushered them out of the hall to finalize their plans for the evening. — J. K. Rowling, Chamber of Secrets>
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