to the end; eventually; after all; finally
Meanings
4 senses · 12 examplesverb
to go to the end; to carry through to the finish
formalLiterally means to reach the very bottom or end; used figuratively to mean persisting until the goal is achieved.
When doing things, one must have perseverance and see them through to the end.
This project is complicated, but we are determined to carry it through to completion.
adverb
eventually; in the end; finally
Emphasizes that a result or conclusion is reached after a process, often involving difficulty or uncertainty.
After many failures, the new method was finally tested successfully.
I thought for a long time and eventually understood what he meant.
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After arguing for half the day, we finally reached an agreement.
adverb
in the world; on earth; exactly (used in questions)
Used in interrogative sentences to ask for the underlying truth, reason, or to press for a definitive answer. It adds intensity to the question.
Is there life on Mars, after all?
What on earth is your relationship with them?
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Who exactly did this?
Are you coming tomorrow or not? (demanding a clear answer)
adverb
after all; in the final analysis; ultimately
Used to emphasize an inherent quality, reason, or undeniable fact, often to make a concession or provide an explanation.
After all, young people have more drive.
The south is the south, after all; they start transplanting rice seedlings in April.
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He is, after all, very experienced and quickly solved the problem.