Word
conclusive
Phoneticscon·clu·sive, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈkɫusɪv/
UK/kənklˈuːsɪv/
Definition
adj. proving that something is definitely true. You use this when there is no more doubt or need for more questions.
adj. serving to settle a dispute or question; providing a final and decisive result. Often used to describe evidence, proof, or the results of a study.
Examples
“The DNA test provided conclusive proof of his identity.”
“The researchers hope the new data will provide a conclusive answer to the mystery of the missing ship.”
“While the initial findings were promising, the committee noted that the sample size was too small to reach a conclusive judgment on the drug's long-term safety.”
Examples
simple
“The DNA test provided conclusive proof of his identity.”
contextual
“The researchers hope the new data will provide a conclusive answer to the mystery of the missing ship.”
complex
“While the initial findings were promising, the committee noted that the sample size was too small to reach a conclusive judgment on the drug's long-term safety.”
Usage
Often follows linking verbs like 'be' or 'seem', or modifies nouns like 'evidence', 'proof', and 'results'.
Real-World Examples
“The test results seemed conclusive - she had a massive amount of insulin in her blood.” “The metric cannot support conclusive trends or policy claims.” Etymology
From French conclusif, from Late Latin conclusivus, from Latin conclūsīvē (“conclusively”), from past participle of concludere.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/conclusive