Difference between Complete & Finish

Complete vs Finish

Although the difference between complete and finish might seem non-existent due to their similar meanings, there is a distinction between their connotations. Complete is generally used in the sense of ‘entire’ or ‘total,’ while finish is typically used in the sense of ‘conclude’ or ‘end.’ Complete can be used as a verb, meaning ‘to do entirely,’ and as an adjective, while finish can be used as a verb, meaning ‘come to an end,’ and as a noun.

Key Takeaways

• Complete is used in the sense of ‘entire’ or ‘total.’
• Finish is usually used in the sense of ‘conclude’ or ‘end.’
• Complete can function as a verb and an adjective, while finish can function as a verb and a noun.

What does Complete mean?

The word complete, when used as an adjective, gives the sense of ‘entire’ or ‘total.’ For example, “The complete work was done by the team” means ‘the entire work was done by the team,’ and “Francis read the complete book” means ‘Francis read the entire book.’ When used as a verb, complete means ‘to do entirely.’ For example, “The work was completed by Angela quickly” means ‘the work was done entirely by Angela quickly,’ and “Robert could not complete the work in time” means ‘Robert could not do the work entirely, in time.’

What does Finish mean?

Finish is used in the sense of ‘conclude’ or ‘end.’ For example, “The story finished well indeed” means ‘the story ended well indeed,’ and “How are you going to finish the play?” means ‘how are you going to conclude the play?’ Finish can also be used as a noun, as in “The runner hit the finish in record time” and “The movie had a great finish.”

What is the difference between Complete and Finish?

• Complete is used in the sense of ‘entire’ or ‘total,’ while finish is used in the sense of ‘conclude’ or ‘end.’
• Complete can be used as a verb (meaning ‘to do entirely’) and as an adjective, while finish can be used as a verb (meaning ‘come to an end’) and as a noun.