Learn English – the difference between ‘finished’ and ‘completed’

differencesmeaning

What is the difference between 'finished' and 'completed', As both words gives the same meaning.

Ex 1: He finished his homework.

Ex 2: He completed his homework.

And also how to use or where to use these words ?

Dictionary Reference :

Completed : Finish making or doing.

Finished : Brought to an end; completed.

As for me both sentence has same or mere meaning, So is there any real difference between?

Best Answer

I could see a subtle difference. I always though the difference was this:

completed - means you've done all the parts of the relevant task
finished - you have done the task as a whole, but you may have skipped some parts.

Example:

I have finished the game, but I'm yet to complete all the side quests.

Edit: Free Dictionary agrees with me

Complete
1. Having all necessary or normal parts, components, or steps; entire: a complete medical history; a complete set of dishes.

Finish
a. To stop (doing an activity or task) after reaching the point at which there is nothing left to do: finished cleaning the room.
b. To bring to a required or desired state: finish an assignment; finish a painting.

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