conclude
Definitions
To bring something to an end; to finish.
结束，终结。
To decide or judge after considering the evidence.
（根据证据）断定，得出结论。
To formally settle or arrange an agreement.
（正式）缔结，达成（协议）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcon- (completely) + clude (shut) = 'shut completely.' When you close off every loose end, the matter is finished — hence 'conclude a meeting.' From the same image comes the mental sense: once you've closed off the question, you've reached a conclusion. So conclude means both to end and to decide.
Root clud still carries 24 more wordsWhy It Means This
The double meaning of conclude — to end, and to judge — comes from a single image. Latin concludere meant to shut something up completely, to box it in on all sides. When a discussion is shut up tight with nothing left open, it has ended. And when you've closed off every alternative explanation, the one answer left standing is the conclusion you draw. The two senses are really the same act seen from outside (the event is over) and from inside the mind (the question is settled).
Common Collocations
- 1.conclude that断定（……）
- 2.conclude a meeting结束会议
- 3.conclude an agreement缔结协议
Example Sentences
- 1.
She concluded her speech with a quote from Lincoln.
- 2.
The detectives concluded that the fire was deliberate.
- 3.
The two countries concluded a trade agreement.