What does conclude mean?
To conclude is to bring something to a definitive end or to arrive at a judgment after careful thought. The word operates in two main ways: in reasoning contexts — as when researchers conclude that a hypothesis holds true, or a judge concludes that the evidence supports one verdict — and in practical ones, where meetings, negotiations, speeches, or written works are concluded by being formally finished. Because of its association with reasoned decision-making, 'conclude' carries a measured, authoritative tone and appears frequently in academic papers, legal documents, journalism, and formal reports; phrases like 'conclude that' and 'in conclusion' are staples of structured argument. Derived forms such as 'conclusion', 'conclusive', and 'inconclusive' extend this family into everyday vocabulary, making 'conclude' a cornerstone of clear analytical expression in both British and American English.
verbTo bring something to an end or to reach a decision, judgment, or conclusion after reasoning. It also means to conclude formally, as when a meeting, agreement, or speech is brought to its close.
- To reach a decision, judgment, or belief after reasoning or consideration.
- To bring a meeting, event, agreement, or piece of writing to an end.
- (Formal) To settle or arrange finally, as in concluding a treaty or contract.
"The committee concluded that the new policy had been a success."
"After reviewing all the evidence, the scientists concluded that the drug was safe for public use."
"She concluded her presentation with a brief summary of the key findings."
The same Latin root 'claudere' (to close) that gave us 'conclude' also gave us 'claus(e)', 'closet', and even the word 'claustrophobia' — literally the fear of being closed in.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of conclude
The verb 'conclude' derives from the Latin 'concludere', formed from 'com-' (together) and 'claudere' (to shut or close), meaning literally to shut up or enclose entirely. It entered English in the late Middle English period, initially carrying senses of shutting in or confining before developing its modern meanings of finishing and inferring. The same root 'claudere' produced a whole family of English words, including 'include', 'exclude', 'preclude', 'seclude', and via Old French, 'clause' and 'closet'.
Related word forms
How conclude is actually used
When used to mean reaching a judgment ('conclude that...'), it carries a formal, reasoned tone typical of academic, legal, and scientific writing. When used to mean ending an activity, it is slightly more formal than everyday alternatives like 'finish' or 'wrap up'.
Easily confused with conclude
'Conclude' means to end or finish something, while 'preclude' means to prevent something from happening at all.