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conclusion

kuhn-KLOO-zhuhn /kənˈkluːʒən/

nounB1TOEFLIELTS

generalformal

A judgment or decision reached by reasoning; the end or finish of an event or process.

In scientific contexts, a conclusion is drawn directly from the analysis of data, supporting or refuting the initial hypothesis. It should be evidence-based and logically derived.

The story behind the word. The word 'conclusion' comes from the Latin 'concludere,' meaning 'to shut up, enclose, or infer.' This verb is formed from 'con-' (together, completely) and 'claudere' (to shut). So, a conclusion is literally the 'shutting together' or 'bringing to a close' of an argument or process, leading to a final judgment or decision. It implies a definitive end to a line of reasoning.

Word relationships

deduction: Deduction is a specific type of reasoning from general principles to specific conclusions; conclusion is the outcome of any reasoning.
inference: Inference is a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning, often implying a less direct or more interpretive step than a direct conclusion.
finding: Finding refers to the results of research; a conclusion is the interpretation drawn from those findings.

beginning: The start of something, opposite of the end.
premise: A statement or idea that forms the basis for a theory or argument, opposite of the outcome.

Word family

conclude (verb): To bring to an end; to arrive at a judgment or opinion by reasoning.
conclusive (adjective): Serving to prove a case; decisive or convincing.

Collocations

draw a conclusion
reach a conclusion
jump to conclusions
foregone conclusion
logical conclusion

Idioms & expressions

in conclusion
jump to conclusions
come to a conclusion

Example sentences

"Based on the overwhelming evidence, the jury reached the inescapable conclusion that the defendant was guilty." The final step of a scientific experiment is to draw a conclusion.
"The study's conclusion stated that regular exercise significantly reduces the risk of heart disease." It's important to present conclusions clearly and concisely.

Memory hook

Think of 'CON-CLOSE-SHUN' (conclusion) as the final 'closing' statement after all the evidence has been presented. CON-CLOSE: Final decision.

When not to use

Avoid using 'conclusion' for a mere guess or an opinion not supported by evidence. It implies a reasoned outcome.

Fun facts

In rhetoric, the 'conclusion' is the final part of an argument, designed to summarize and persuade.

Related words

analysis, data, hypothesis

Explore more words

inference, deduce, make a decision, evaluation, rationale, hypothesis