sonunda

Sonunda is a Turkish adverb meaning “in the end,” “finally,” or “at last.” It is used to indicate the point in time when something occurs after a process, delay, or sequence of events. The term often conveys a sense of relief or culmination and can introduce a main clause or be placed within a sentence to emphasize the result of a preceding situation.

Morphology and etymology: sonunda is formed from the noun son (end) plus the locative suffix -unda, a combination that yields a temporal sense. The locative -da/-de suffix indicates position or location, and the added linking form in sonunda helps express “at the end” in time. The word is standard in Turkish and is understood across dialects and registers.

Usage and nuance: sonunda is commonly used to describe outcomes after efforts, delays, or uncertainties. Examples include: “Sonunda sınavı geçtim” (I finally passed the exam) and “Sonunda karar verildi” (A decision was finally made). It can appear in formal and colloquial contexts and is often interchangeable with nihayet, though nihayet can carry a slightly stronger or more formal tone. While primarily temporal, sonunda can also imply eventual resolution in broader narratives, not only in references to time.