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fine

end

noun FEE-neh Common
Time Time Expressions

Also means

goal

Usage Note

Fine is unusual because its gender shifts with meaning: la fine (feminine) = 'the end' (alla fine = 'in the end'); il fine (masculine) = 'the purpose / aim'. Learners often overlook this. The common phrase fare una brutta fine means 'to come to a bad end'. Do not confuse with the adjective fine ('fine, delicate').

Examples

"Alla fine ha detto la verità."

Natural Translation

In the end, he told the truth.

Literal Translation

To-the end he-has said the truth.

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