deductive
Americanadjective
adjective
Commonly Confused
Deductive and inductive refer to two distinct logical processes. Deductive reasoning is a logical process in which a conclusion drawn from a set of premises contains no more information than the premises taken collectively. All dogs are animals; this is a dog; therefore, this is an animal: The truth of the conclusion is dependent only on the method. All men are apes; this is a man; therefore, this is an ape: The conclusion is logically true, although the premise is absurd. Inductive reasoning is a logical process in which a conclusion is proposed that contains more information than the observations or experience on which it is based. Every crow ever seen was black; all crows are black: The truth of the conclusion is verifiable only in terms of future experience and certainty is attainable only if all possible instances have been examined. In the example, there is no certainty that a white crow will not be found tomorrow, although past experience would make such an occurrence seem unlikely.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of deductive
First recorded in 1640–50, deductive is from the Latin word dēductīvus derivative. See deduct, -ive
Explanation
Deductive thinking is based on logic and the facts. A good detective can use deductive reasoning to find a killer. If you want to know how to be deductive, read a Sherlock Holmes book or watch the show "House" (about a clever doctor who is based on Holmes). Both Holmes and House are masters of looking at the facts — which are often confusing — and making deductive conclusions. Thinking deductively involves critical thinking and careful attention to detail, not guessing or making things up. That's why being deductive is one of the best ways to crack a case.
Vocabulary lists containing deductive
The AP English Exam: Rhetorical and Literary Terms 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Divergent
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Writing - High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Deductive inferences, when valid, guarantee the truth of their conclusions.
From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022
Deductive reasoning moves from general to specific ideas.
From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021
Deductive reasoning or deduction is the type of logic used in hypothesis-based science.
From Textbooks • Sep. 6, 2018
Deductive reasoning is a form of logical thinking that uses a general principle or law to forecast specific results.
From Textbooks • Sep. 6, 2018
The constant tendency of science, operating by the Deductive Method, is to resolve all laws, even those which once seemed ultimate and not derivative, into others still more general.
From Analysis of Mr. Mill's System of Logic by Stebbing, W. (William)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
