ending

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   The last part of a story, film, event or period of time.

   Grammar: Takes an article: the ending, a happy ending.

   Patterns

   • the ending of something
   • an ending to something

   The film has a surprising ending.

   Many readers disliked the ending of the novel.

   The ending of the long summer made everyone a little sad.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   A letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its grammar.

   Grammar: Used in grammar lessons: the -ed ending.

   Patterns

   • the ending -ed

   Regular past tense verbs take the ending -ed.

   Spanish adjectives often change their endings to match nouns.

3. 3nouncountable

   The point at which something stops, such as a relationship or contract.

   Grammar: Often takes an adjective: a sudden ending.

   Patterns

   • the ending of something

   The ending of their friendship surprised everyone.

   The ending of the contract meant a search for new work.

Word forms

Common combinations

happy ending

The story has a happy ending.

surprise ending

The play is famous for its surprise ending.

sad ending

A sad ending left the audience in tears.

alternate ending

The DVD includes an alternate ending.

verb ending

Students practiced adding the correct verb ending.

Synonyms and how they differ

conclusion

Conclusion is more formal and also covers a reasoned result, not just the last part of a story.

finale

Finale suggests a big, dramatic last part such as in music or a show.

finish

Finish is the last point of a race or activity and is less used for stories.

close

Close is a more formal, slightly literary alternative for the last stage.

Opposites

Word family

end noun

the final part or point

end verb

to finish or stop

endless adjective

never stopping

ended adjective

finished

Commonly confused: ending or ending?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “ending”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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