final word

[ˈfaɪnəl wɜːrd]
noun phrasepl: final words
última palavra
1. the last thing said in a conversation or argument; the conclusive statement that ends a discussion
She always has to have the final word in every debate.
Ela sempre precisa ter a última palavra em cada debate.
2. the authority or power to make a definitive decision
The CEO has the final word on all major business decisions.
O CEO tem a última palavra em todas as decisões comerciais importantes.
3. a concluding remark or statement that is definitive and cannot be contradicted
The judge's ruling is the final word on this matter.
A sentença do juiz é a última palavra neste assunto.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian contexts to denote authority, finality, and decisiveness. In business environments, it often relates to hierarchy and decision-making power. Culturally, the desire to 'have the final word' reflects a universal human tendency toward asserting authority and closure in arguments or discussions.
NYC Slang
the say
Synonyms / Sinônimos
last wordconclusive statementfinal saydecisive wordultimate authority
Antonyms / Antônimos
opening wordfirst wordopening statement

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
última palavra
most common and widely understood translation
Rio de Janeiro
última palavra
standard usage, may colloquially say 'a última' for short
São Paulo
última palavra
formal and informal contexts both use this term consistently
Portugal
última palavra
identical usage to Brazilian Portuguese; also 'derradeira palavra' in more formal contexts

Related Words

conclusionverdictdecisionauthoritylast sayclosing statement

Related Idioms & Phrases

have the final word
get the final word in
the final word is
final word on the subject
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →