Endelig

Endelig is a word used in Norwegian and Danish that functions as both an adverb and an adjective. As an adverb, it most commonly means finally or at last, indicating the conclusion of a sequence or the resolution of a situation. For example, in Norwegian one might say “Endelig er sommeren her,” meaning “Finally summer is here.” In Danish, a similar usage can be found in sentences like “Endelig kom brevet,” meaning “The letter finally arrived.”

As an adjective, endelig describes something as finite or definite, a usage found in mathematical, logical, or technical contexts, as well as in ordinary description of limited quantities. Phrases such as “et endelig tall” (a finite number) or “en endelig løsning” (a definite/finite solution) illustrate this sense. In both Norwegian and Danish, the word is used similarly, though the exact inflection follows the rules of each language.

Etymology and cognates: Endelig derives from a root related to ending or conclusion and shares semantic kinship with related words in North Germanic languages and with English terms like end or ending. Its core meaning centers on finiteness, conclusiveness, or the notion of finality in a sequence.

In summary, endelig covers two main senses in Norwegian and Danish: a temporally oriented adverb meaning finally, and an adjective indicating finite or definite character in more technical or descriptive contexts. It is distinct from, yet related to, the broader English concepts of finality and finiteness.