“Finalized” is a verb that means to complete or make final, often referring to a decision, a plan, or a project. Here are some synonyms and their analyses:
1. Concluded
- Meaning: To bring to an end; to close or finish something. For example, “They concluded the meeting after reaching a consensus on the new policy.”
- Usage difference: “Concluded” emphasizes the act of bringing something to a close. It can be used for a wide range of activities such as meetings, discussions, or legal cases. While “finalized” implies that the last steps have been taken to make something final, “concluded” focuses more on the ending of a process. In a sense, you can conclude something without it necessarily being in its final, unchangeable form, but finalizing usually implies a more definite and settled state.
2. Completed
- Meaning: To finish making or doing something; to bring to a whole or perfect state. For example, “She completed the painting by adding the final touches.”
- Usage difference: “Completed” emphasizes the act of fulfilling all the requirements or steps to finish a task. It's a more general term for getting something done. In contrast to “finalized,” “completed” might not always imply the same level of finality in terms of decision - making or making something official. For example, you can complete a draft of a document, but it may not be finalized until it's been reviewed and approved.
3. Settled
- Meaning: To make a decision about or come to an agreement on something so that it is no longer in question. For example, “They settled the contract terms after several rounds of negotiations.”
- Usage difference: “Settled” focuses on the resolution of an issue or the reaching of an agreement. It implies a state of calm and certainty after a period of discussion or uncertainty. When something is “settled,” it's often in a more permanent or stable state compared to just being completed. “Finalized” and “settled” are quite similar, but “settled” might carry a stronger connotation of putting an end to disputes or differences of opinion.
4. Determined
- Meaning: To come to a decision or conclusion about something; to fix or establish precisely. For example, “The committee determined the date for the event after considering various factors.”
- Usage difference: “Determined” emphasizes the act of making a decision or establishing a specific detail. It's more about the process of deciding than the overall state of being final. In comparison to “finalized,” “determined” can be an earlier step in the process. For example, you can determine a course of action, but there may still be steps to take to finalize the implementation of that action.
5. Wrapped up
- Meaning: To finish or conclude something, often in a somewhat informal way. For example, “We wrapped up the project just in time for the deadline.”
- Usage difference: “Wrapped up” is a more casual phrase that implies a sense of bringing something to an end in a timely and efficient manner. It's often used in spoken English or in less formal writing. In contrast to “finalized,” it doesn't have the same formal or official connotation. It gives the impression of tying up loose ends and getting something over with.