1
Infer from evidence
Form a judgment from observed facts.
Example
Researchers drew a conclusion from the repeated measurements.
draw a conclusion
/ˌdrɔː ə kənˈkluːʒən/ · DRAW uh kuhn-KLOO-zhuhnreasoning phrase
Reach a reasoned judgment by interpreting evidence or premises.
Use draw a conclusion to signal this exact relationship between ideas: reach a reasoned judgment by interpreting evidence or premises.
What draw a conclusion Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Complete an argument
State what follows from the preceding reasoning.
Example
The essay draws a cautious conclusion about authorship.
3
Decide after comparison
Evaluate alternatives and select the best-supported account.
Example
The panel declined to draw a conclusion until every record was reviewed.
Use draw a conclusion Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Researchers drew a conclusion from the repeated measurements.
The essay draws a cautious conclusion about authorship.
The panel declined to draw a conclusion until every record was reviewed.
Precision Matters
Draw a conclusion overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
draw a conclusion
vs.Signals reach a reasoned judgment by interpreting evidence or premises.
surmise
Means to infer or guess without conclusive proof.
draw a conclusion
vs.Signals reach a reasoned judgment by interpreting evidence or premises.
draw a distinction
Means identify and articulate an important difference between ideas, groups, or cases.
draw a conclusion
vs.Signals reach a reasoned judgment by interpreting evidence or premises.
speculate
Means to form a theory or guess without firm supporting evidence.
draw a conclusion
vs.Signals reach a reasoned judgment by interpreting evidence or premises.
bear out
Means confirm or support a claim through evidence or experience.
Test draw a conclusion in Context
One repeated feature is insufficient for a reliable judgment.
1
From the recurrence of the motif alone, researchers cannot safely ___ about the artist’s identity.