WordGarden.ioconclude
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kənklˈuːd/
US
- /kənˈklud/
Meanings
Verb
to decide or infer after considering evidence
to end or bring something to an end
to finish speaking or writing with final words
More meaningsFewer meanings
to formally make or settle an agreement
Beyond the definition
To conclude means to bring something to an end—like a story, a meeting, or even a line of thought. Detectives conclude investigations by working out who committed the crime, and authors conclude their novels with a final chapter. You might also conclude that pizza is the best food ever after thinking about it (and tasting it!). It often means reaching a final point, sometimes based on facts or clear signs.
Think of it like tying up loose ends. If you conclude a project, you've finished the needed steps and reached a final result. A good lawyer knows how to conclude an argument clearly, leaving the jury with no doubts. Sometimes, concluding something simply means making up your mind: "I conclude that we should order takeout tonight!"
To conclude is to bring something to an end, often after careful thought or investigation. It is more than just stopping; it implies reaching a final point based on evidence, reasoning, or observation. For example: "After reviewing the data, the scientists concluded that climate change is accelerating." This suggests they didn't simply stop collecting information; they analyzed it and formed a strong belief.
The word can be used in several distinct contexts. You might conclude a speech with a powerful closing statement, signaling its end. A judge will conclude a trial by delivering a verdict. Alternatively, you might conclude that someone is untrustworthy based on their actions—forming an opinion after observing their behavior.
Interestingly, "conclude" can also mean to enter into a formal agreement or treaty. For example: "The two countries concluded a peace treaty." In this sense, the word emphasizes the act of finalizing and solidifying an arrangement or negotiation.
It's important to distinguish concluding from simply ending. Something can end abruptly or by accident, but concluding implies a deliberate process leading to a final outcome. A story might end with a cliffhanger, but it is only truly concluded when all the plot threads are resolved. Whether you're finishing a task, reaching a logical decision, or finalizing an agreement, to conclude is to bring something to a definite and purposeful end.
Examples
- 1
Jury decision
After looking at all the evidence, the jury concluded that he was innocent.
- 2
Survey evidence
We concluded from the survey that parents wanted longer opening hours.
- Patternconclude from + evidence/source that ...
decide something based on facts or signs
- 3
Report finding
The report concludes that the new policy has not been effective.
- 4
Meeting ending
The meeting concluded at around five o'clock.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Presentation ending
She concluded her presentation by showing a short video.
- Patternconclude by doing X
end with that action
- 6
Ceremony ending
The ceremony concluded with a song from the school choir.
- Patternconclude with + final item
end by including it
- 7
Trade agreement
The two countries concluded a trade agreement after months of talks.
- Patternconclude an agreement
officially make or finish it
- 8
Final remarks
To conclude, I'd like to thank everyone for their support.
- Phraseto conclude
as a final point
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- concludeverb
Forms
- concludedpast tenseverb
- concludesverb
- concluding-ing formverb