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conclude

v.
US //kənˈkɫud// UK //kənklˈuːd// con·clude
  1. 1 to finish or end (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Formal

    to bring something to an end, or to come to an end.

    to bring a speech, meeting, or piece of writing to a formal close; also functions as an intransitive verb meaning to terminate.

    Example

    The speaker concluded her presentation by thanking the audience for their time.

    Example

    The legal proceedings concluded after three weeks of testimony, leaving the jury to deliberate on the complex evidence presented.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'with' or 'by'.
  2. 2 to decide based on facts (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Logic

    to decide that something is true after you have thought about it carefully.

    to reach a logical judgment or opinion by reasoning; to infer or deduce from evidence.

    Example

    The doctors concluded that the patient needed surgery after looking at the test results.

    Example

    Based on the statistical anomalies in the data, the researchers concluded that the initial hypothesis was fundamentally flawed.

    Usage

    Frequently followed by a 'that' clause.
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  1. 3 to settle an agreement (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

    to complete a formal agreement or a business deal.

    to bring about a final result, such as a treaty or business arrangement, through negotiation.

    Example

    The two companies finally concluded the deal late last night.

    Example

    The diplomats worked tirelessly to conclude the peace treaty before the ceasefire deadline expired.

    Teacher's tip

    In this sense, 'conclude' is almost exclusively used for high-level formal agreements like treaties or multi-million dollar contracts.
Origin

From Middle English concluden, borrowed from Latin conclūdere (“to shut up, close, end”).

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