Definition of conclusive

The word "conclusive" derives from the Latin verb "concludere," meaning "to close up" or "to bring to a close." This root can be traced back to the Indo-European word "kel-," which originally referred to the act of bending or assuming a curved shape. In Latin, "concludere" was commonly used in the context of legal proceedings or debates, where it referred to the point at which an argument or discussion was brought to a decisive close. This usage is reflected in the modern English meaning of "conclusive," which suggests something that puts an end to doubt or further discussion by providing decisive or irrefutable evidence or argument. Interestingly, the term also has a secondary usage in mathematics and logic, where it refers to a proposition or statement that follows logically from the evidence at hand, leaving no reasonable doubt remaining. This meaning is related to its Latin origin, as the term "conclusio" (meaning "conclusion") was also used in ancient Roman legal and educational contexts to describe a well-reasoned argument or set of conclusions drawn from a series of logical propositions. Overall, the word "conclusive" reflects a rich linguistic history, drawing on roots that speak to notions of completing, ending, and resolving doubt or uncertainty.