difference between finally and in the end

finally - (эцэст нь)
1) after a long time, especially when there has been some difficulty or delay

• The performance finally started half an hour late.

2) used to introduce the last in a list of things

• And finally, I would like to thank you all for coming here today.

3)  in a way that ends all discussion about something

• The matter was not finally settled until later.

in the end - (төгсгөлд нь)
1)  after a long period of time or series of events

• He tried various jobs and in the end became an accountant.

2) after everything has been considered

• You can try your best to impress the interviewers but in the end it's often just a question of luck.

Difference between "in the end" and "finally"?

(Is there a difference when using an expression like "in the end" vs. "finally"

What would be more suitable for the following samples:

1.) In the end/Finally they reached the summit.

                 2.) In the end/Finally this decision has the consequence ....

)

1. I would find it difficult to make a distinction but my suggestion would be that 'finally' has a more dramatic sense about it. Imagine you have had a difficult journey because of bad weather and you are several hours late as a result. You could say: We finally got home at one in the morning - this indicates that it is very, very late and you have had enough. If you said: In the end we got home at one in the morning, this is more a statement of fact rather than an indication that this was much later than you wanted.
   
   Hope this helps,

    2. It is very difficult, as Alan says. But I would say that "in the end" tends to present the last         item in a sequence where there has been some difficulty in (or obstacle to) arriving at that         last item. 

        "Finally" on the other hand tends simply to present the last item in a sequence, and does              not in itself carry a sense of difficulty.

        1. In the end, we went to Florence.

        — even without context, this implies that there has been some difficulty. (Perhaps they             couldn't decide where to go.)

        2. Finally, we went to Florence.

        — without context, we don't know if there has been a difficulty or not. (Perhaps it was               simply the last place they visited.)

       "Finally" can also be used as an emphatic "at last!", e.g.

        3. Finally someone has answered my question!

        Best wishes,