Conclusive
/kənˈkluːsɪv/
Definitions
Serving as a clear and final answer or decision; putting an end to doubt or uncertainty.
/kənˈkluːsɪv/
Serving to settle or decide a question; decisive.
The autopsy provided conclusive evidence about the cause of death.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to solve a puzzle. When you finally find the last piece and put it in, you have a *conclusive* solution! It's like the end of the story.
👶 For kids: When something is conclusive, it means it's the final answer or the end of the story. Like when you finish a puzzle and know for sure what the picture is!
More Examples
After a careful review of the documents, the committee reached a conclusive decision.
The police investigation resulted in conclusive proof, leading to an arrest.
How It's Used
"The DNA evidence provided conclusive proof of his guilt."
"The experiments yielded conclusive results, confirming the hypothesis."
Idioms & expressions
conclusive proof
Evidence that firmly establishes a fact.
"The video footage provided conclusive proof of the suspect's presence at the scene."
reach a conclusive decision
To make a final and firm decision.
"After months of deliberation, the panel finally reached a conclusive decision."
From Late Latin *conclusivus*, from *concludere* ('to conclude'), from *con-*('with, together') + *claudere* ('to shut').
The word 'conclusive' has been used since the 16th century, initially to describe something that brings about an end or a resolution.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'close' - something conclusive brings things to a close.
Word Origin
"that concludes, decisive"