This is the 959th most frequent Portuguese word.
afinal
"afinal" - in the end; after all; ultimately.
In this sentence, 'afinal' is used to summarize or reconsider a situation with a clarifying point.
Afinal, não era necessário tanto esforço.
After all, so much effort wasn't needed.
Here, 'afinal' explains a reason or justification revealed later.
Ela não veio, afinal tinha outros compromissos.
She didn't come because she had other commitments after all.
'Afinal' is used in a question to seek confirmation or reclarification of information.