English Reference

Word

conclusively

Phoneticscon·clu·sive·ly, stress on the second syllable

US/kənˈkɫusɪvɫi/

UK/kənklˈuːsɪvli/

Definition

adv. in a way that ends a discussion or proves something is definitely true. You use this when you want to say there is no more doubt about a fact.

adv. in a manner that settles an issue or proves a point beyond any doubt. Often used to describe evidence or arguments that leave no room for further debate.

Examples

“The new evidence conclusively proves his innocence.”

“The researchers conducted a double-blind study to ensure their results were conclusive and not influenced by bias.”

“While the initial data suggested a correlation, the subsequent meta-analysis provided conclusively that the two variables were independent of one another.”

Examples

simple

“The new evidence conclusively proves his innocence.”

contextual

“The researchers conducted a double-blind study to ensure their results were conclusive and not influenced by bias.”

complex

“While the initial data suggested a correlation, the subsequent meta-analysis provided conclusively that the two variables were independent of one another.”

Real-World Examples

“While it’s not yet possible to conclusively answer Drake’s second question, a study published in Nature in 2012 suggested a minimum of 100bn planets in our galaxy alone.”
The Guardian 11 Aug 2026
“Scientists have conclusively identified a source in the Milky Way that can accelerate protons to some of the highest energies known in our galaxy.”
ScienceDaily 2 Aug 2026
“Comparing the two strength functions allowed the team to determine conclusively that magnetic transitions inside the nucleus produce the low-energy enhancement.”
ScienceDaily 31 Jul 2026
“However, scientists had never conclusively demonstrated that the pigments contained no carbon at all.”
ScienceDaily 28 Jul 2026

Word family

ADVERB

conclusively(C1)

This entry

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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Occasional
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference