The final part of something; the point where it stops. It can also mean a goal or purpose someone wants to reach.
From Old English *ende* meaning 'the last part, conclusion, boundary.' Related to German *Ende* and Dutch *einde*. The sense of 'goal or purpose' developed from the idea of a final point you aim at.
Every 'end' is also a border—beyond it, something different begins. Philosophers love this word because it can mean both 'stop' and 'purpose,' which are almost opposites: one is finishing, the other is aiming.
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