Definition

Verb: - To complete something fully; to bring to a final and satisfactory conclusion, often by adding what is necessary to make it whole or complete. - To finish the remaining part of a period of time, activity, or commitment.

Usage and Examples

The verb "finish out" is used to describe the action of completing something, especially the final stages or remaining portion.

• Completing a period or commitment:

  • She decided to finish out the school year before moving to a new city.
  • Despite the difficulties, he promised to finish out his contract with the team.

• Bringing something to a full conclusion:

  • We need these final reports to finish out the project documentation.
  • The last chapter finishes out the argument of the book beautifully.

Advanced Usage

• "finish out the season/term/year": A common collocation for completing a designated period of time in a role, job, or activity.
  • The coach announced he would finish out the season but then retire.

Variants and Related Words

• Complete (verb): To bring to an end; to make whole or perfect.
• Conclude (verb): To bring to a close; to end.
• Round out (phrasal verb): To complete or make more whole and satisfactory. (Note: This is a synonym provided in the reference context.)

Synonyms

• Complete
• Conclude
• Round off
• See through (as in )

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Finish up: To complete the final part of something. Often interchangeable with "finish out," though "finish up" can imply a more immediate or hurried completion.
  • I just need to finish up these emails before I leave.

Notes on Usage

"Finish out" is often used in American English. It emphasizes seeing something through to its planned or natural endpoint, even if the process is challenging or the remaining portion is significant. It is not typically used for very short or trivial tasks.

Verb

1. fill out
   • These studies round out the results of many years of research