conclusive

Everyday

1. Conclusive means proving something completely, so that there is no doubt left. tree →
2. Conclusive describes a final, clear result: a conclusive win. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons it talks about evidence: one test is rarely conclusive; we repeat experiments. In detective stories, conclusive proof catches the thief. Phrases: «conclusive evidence», «conclusive proof», «conclusively prove».

Examples

• The fingerprints were conclusive proof that the cat had walked on the cake. tree →
• One test is not conclusive; we need to repeat it. tree →
• The team won a conclusive victory, 5–0. tree →
• Scientists have conclusive evidence that smoking harms health. tree →
• The footage showed conclusively that the ball was in. tree →
• The results were not conclusive, so the experiment goes on. tree →

Note

Opposite: «inconclusive» (not proving anything for sure). Related to «conclude» and «conclusion». Trap: in science, «conclusive» should be used carefully; a fair test needs repeats.